Ex-envoys for product branding to reduce trade gap with Malaysia

Former high commissioners of Bangladesh to Malaysia today called for branding and image building of Bangladeshi products in Malaysian market to reduce the trade gap between the two countries.

They made the call at a virtual discussion organized by Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), said a press release.

Former high commissioners Farooq Sobhan, Wajid Ali Khan Panni, Masood Aziz, Shafi U Ahmed and AKM Atiqur Rahman, BMCCI Past Presidents Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Syed Moazzam Hossain, Syed Nurul Islam, Vice President Md Answer Shahid and Secretary General Mahbubul Alam attended the virtual meeting.

To reduce this trade gap, Masood Aziz said, Bangladesh needs technical knowledge and appropriate technology.

He said that from Bangladesh side, the main export product should be halal meat (as a traditional Muslim majority country).

Farooq Sobhan laid emphasis on branding and image building to reduce trade gap with Malaysia.

He urged the government to take initiative for organizing regular high level meetings in both countries.

Wajid Ali Khan Panni, also former State Minister of Foreign Affairs, informed that many Bangladeshis are working in different sectors in Malaysia, like electronic items manufacturing units, palm oil industry and agro-based industry.

He proposed to explore the opportunities to develop the relationship with the high end in Malaysia.

Shafi U Ahmed said that the trade gap depends on competitiveness.

To overcome the issues, he recommended competitive capacity building in both product and service sectors.

AKM Atiqur Rahman said Bangladesh should consider the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for reducing trade gap.

He also emphasized on pharmaceutical sector and professional manpower to be exported.

(Source: BSS)