Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has emphasised on signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia to boost trade and investment.
“Malaysia and Bangladesh have been maintaining trade and economic relations for a long time…The discussion on signing the FTA has progressed much… it will benefit both the countries,” the minister said on Thursday when a 14-member Malaysian delegation met him at his office at the Secretariat in Dhaka.
Malaysian Minister for Plantation Industries and Commodities Zuraida Kamaruddin led the delegation, a press release of the Ministry of Commerce said.
“Bangladesh has a huge demand for various Malaysian products, including palm oil, chocolate, fruits and furniture. Malaysia can make more profit if the country sets up factories of these products in Bangladesh,” he said.
The commerce minister said Bangladesh imports a large quantity of palm oil from Malaysia.
“We will remain grateful if Malaysia reduces the price of palm oil in the context of the current global price of edible oil.”
During the bilateral meeting, Minister Zuraida said Malaysia is keen to strengthen the trade and economic ties with Bangladesh.
“As a friendly nation, Bangladesh is our important business partner and both countries can work to increase trade and economic cooperation,” she added.
