Bangladesh and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation during a meeting between Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman and Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, Lutfey Siddiqi.
The discussion, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, focused on enhancing economic, trade, and manpower collaboration while addressing critical challenges in labour recruitment, reads a press release.
The Special Envoy highlighted the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and Malaysia, which spans over five decades, and acknowledged Malaysia's significant role in advancing bilateral cooperation. He fondly recalled the historic visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to Bangladesh in October, a milestone in fostering renewed collaboration under the interim government.
Focus on Trade and Economic Expansion
Both dignitaries emphasised the potential for growth in trade and economic relations. They discussed diversifying partnerships into emerging sectors, including data science, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and the halal economy. Special attention was given to promoting seamless manpower movements while reducing recruitment costs and ensuring the welfare of workers.
Lutfey Siddiqi proposed the establishment of a dedicated Malaysia-specific economic zone in Bangladesh, mirroring initiatives for China, Japan, and India. This zone, he suggested, could leverage Bangladesh's strategic location and enhance regional connectivity while boosting investment opportunities for Malaysian businesses.
Resolving Labor Recruitment Challenges
The Special Envoy expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s commitment to addressing labor issues, particularly the entry of 18,000 Bangladeshi workers previously unable to migrate due to administrative barriers. Both parties pledged to tackle corruption in the recruitment process and eliminate syndicates that exploit workers, which have caused financial and reputational damage to both countries.
Regional and International Collaboration
Discussions extended to Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship, with Bangladesh reiterating its interest in becoming a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. The Special Envoy underscored the importance of Malaysia's support in achieving this goal.
In conclusion, both sides reiterated their resolve to work closely in areas of mutual interest, including disaster management, education, healthcare, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Mr. Siddiqi assured the Malaysian High Commissioner of full support during his tenure and wished him success in his mission to enhance bilateral relations.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision of Bangladesh and Malaysia to deepen their partnership, fostering regional and global cooperation for mutual benefit.
