Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held meetings with the chief executives of five leading Malaysian companies as part of Bangladesh's efforts to attract greater foreign investment and boost trade and employment.
Speaking at a press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the meetings focused on encouraging Malaysian businesses to invest in Bangladesh's growing economy.
"Our objective is to bring investment from Malaysia to Bangladesh," he said.
Mahdi Amin noted that Bangladesh is moving towards greater economic liberalisation and deregulation, while advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia.
"We are creating a more business-friendly and investment-friendly framework. Malaysia is an important target for us in this regard," he said.
The PMO spokesperson said the Prime Minister met the senior executives of five major Malaysian companies before concluding his visit to the Southeast Asian country.
The companies are Petronas Group, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua and MMC Corporation.
Mahdi Amin said discussions centred on expanding investment and trade ties between the two countries and creating more employment opportunities in Bangladesh.
He highlighted Bangladesh's large consumer market and demographic dividend as key attractions for foreign investors.
"There is strong consumer demand in Bangladesh, and we also have a large workforce capable of supporting industrial growth. We have assured Malaysian investors that the government will provide necessary policy support and continue reforms to facilitate business and investment," the PMO spokesperson said.
He said the government is keen to increase manufacturing and production in Bangladesh through greater foreign investment.
Highlighting the significance of the Prime Minister's visit, Mahdi Amin said it has opened "a new chapter of friendship" between Bangladesh and Malaysia.
He said the two countries enjoy a long-standing relationship based on friendship and brotherhood, and both leaders held extensive discussions on strengthening economic cooperation through increased trade and investment.
Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony and Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Mosammat Shahanara Monica were present at the press conference.