Malaysia is moving to deepen trade ties with Bangladesh, focusing on real business steps that can bring more investment, jobs and trade to both countries. Business leaders and Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohammad Shuhada Osman met with chamber members in Chattogram to map practical ways to boost trade, grow markets and make it easier for firms to work together. The envoy said recent bilateral agreements have opened new doors and that Bangladesh now ranks as one of Malaysia’s top trading partners outside the region, a sign that business ties are growing. Speakers pointed to clear chances for joint work, including light engineering, electronics, food processing, shipping and logistics, and shipbuilding near the Mirsarai industrial area. They urged more halal product work and halal certification so Bangladeshi makers can sell more into Malaysian and other Muslim markets, and called for steps to expand health, telecom and security services that suit both countries. The discussion highlighted people-to-people links, noting the strong Bangladeshi presence in Malaysia, including many students and migrant workers, which helps build trust and trade ties. Delegates raised simple, useful asks to make business easier: direct flights on Dhaka–Chattogram–Kuala Lumpur routes, smoother visa rules, and support for Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN so trade links can deepen. Trade figures discussed showed room to grow, with Malaysia’s exports to Bangladesh at 206.6 million dollars and imports from Bangladesh at 38.2 million dollars, which underlines a clear trade gap and a big chance for new exports. Speakers urged Malaysian investors to look at practical projects in Bangladesh, such as joint factories for food and medical supplies, shared shipping services, and light manufacturing that taps local skills and global buyers. Organisers stressed that progress needs quick, hands-on steps: pilot ventures, clearer product rules, shared labs for tests, and training for local workers so they can run new plants and services well. They also called for private partners and banks to make financing easier and for business groups to work with regulators to cut red tape and speed approvals for exports and investment. Many attendees praised the meeting’s practical tone because it focused on what businesses can do next week and next month rather than distant promises. By matching clear trade targets with local projects and travel links, the group said both countries can turn interest into deals that create jobs, lift small firms and bring more goods and services to consumers. Delegates noted nearly 9,000 Bangladeshi students in Malaysia and that Bangladeshis make up about 37% of expatriates. The overall message was upbeat and practical: with simple steps on halal production, logistics, travel and visas, Malaysia and Bangladesh can build trade that is fair, steady and useful for businesses on both sides.
