Scope to expand ties with Bangladesh
Published on: Monday, May 18, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia remains committed to further enhance dynamic economic growth with Bangladesh that has proven to pose mutual benefits for both countries via their closer ties in bilateral relations and cooperation.Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said such collaboration is possible as there is ample scope for both countries to expand the trade and investment cooperation based on a win-win situation for the mutual benefits of both countries and the peoples."Regular contacts and interaction between leaders and officials of both countries have continued to be the driving force behind the development of productive and mutually beneficial relations that continued to be excellent and devoid of irritants.
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"I am pleased to take note that trade, investments and tourism feature significantly in the substance of relations between Malaysia and Bangladesh where the latter remains as one of the important trading partners in South Asia for us (Malaysia)."As a result, Malaysia has become the biggest investor in Bangladesh among Asean countries over the last few years as it (Bangladesh) offers vast business and investment opportunities for Malaysian businessmen," he said.Anifah said this in his remarks during the 4th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between Malaysia and the People's Republic of Bangladesh, here, Sunday.He led the Malaysian delegation to the two-day JCM that began on Saturday, while the Bangladesh delegation was led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali.
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The JCM was established as an efficient platform for both countries to closely review and examine the state and progress of bilateral relations, as well as to undertake fresh efforts to strengthen cooperation in various areas for mutual growth and development.It also provided the opportunity for both sides to discuss on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
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The last JCM between Malaysia and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in June 2005.The meeting was preceded by a Senior Officials' Meeting on Saturday (May 16) where the discussions held encompass areas of bilateral cooperation between both countries in economy, trade and investment, labour, tourism, culture, education, science and technology as well as agriculture.Anifah said Bangladesh companies are encouraged to use Malaysia as the gateway to access the wider Asean market."Bangladesh has offered conducive and vast investment opportunities for Malaysian companies to enjoy vibrant economic growth that brings mutual benefits. "Having said that, I wish to urge investors from Bangladesh to consider Malaysia as the profit centre of the region as the presence of investment projects involving Bangladesh companies in Malaysia have remained relatively modest at the moment."In fact, choosing to invest in Malaysia makes commercial sense. The conditions are right, and have been so for a while, for businesses to invest in Malaysia as well as the political, economic and policy stability in Malaysia minimises country risk," he said.Anifah also assured that Malaysia is not only business-friendly but also visitor-friendly."Hundreds of tourists from Bangladesh have come to visit Malaysia over the years and the recent 'Visit Malaysia Year 2014' promotion managed to attract 52 per cent more tourists from Bangladesh in that year."We would like for this trend to continue and more tourists from Bangladesh to visit Malaysia in coming years as the country has special unique delights and tourism products that would make any tourist to feel at home," he said.Anifah said the Saturday discussion has reaffirmed his belief that Bangladesh is a friend and a partner whom Malaysia can continue to cooperate and collaborate in the spirit of friendship, mutual trust and mutual respect.Anifah and Abul Hassan have signed the Agreed Minutes of the 4th JCM between Malaysia and Bangladesh at the end of the meeting.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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