Kuala lumpur: Bangladesh is seeking greater Malaysian investment to strengthen its economy and build a high-growth, sustainable future, said Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus. He emphasized the South Asian nation’s readiness to leverage its human resources and emerging technological capabilities to attract Malaysian businesses aiming for global expansion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Yunus, during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, highlighted the mutual benefits of Malaysia-Bangladesh collaboration. Yunus, on a three-day official visit to Malaysia, was officially welcomed at the Perdana Putra Complex, where he stressed the importance of financial and investment partnerships to foster a sustainable, high-growth economy in Bangladesh.
Yunus, renowned as an economist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate for pioneering microcredit and microfinance, expressed satisfaction with the discussions aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship. The collaboration, he noted, would generate more opportunities and contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s economic development.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim lauded Yunus as a great friend of Malaysia, acknowledging his efforts in ensuring peace and security in Bangladesh while enhancing bilateral ties in trade, investment, culture, and education. Anwar also mentioned Malaysia’s commitment to assisting stranded Bangladeshi workers and maintaining cooperation in sectors like energy, telecommunications, and exploring new areas such as halal development, STEM research, and semiconductors.
Earlier, Malaysia and Bangladesh signed eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements to deepen bilateral ties across various sectors, including defence, energy, higher education, and diplomacy. The signing ceremony, attended by Anwar and Yunus, included key documents such as the MoU on Defence Cooperation and agreements on LNG supply and infrastructure.
The economic partnership between the two nations is further exemplified by the 2024 trade figures, with Malaysia-Bangladesh trade rising 5.1 per cent to RM13.35 billion (US$2.92 billion). Bangladesh stands as Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia, with key exports including petroleum products, palm oil, and chemicals, and imports comprising textiles, footwear, and manufactured goods.