Bangladesh seeks to become ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner

Bangladesh is seeking closer ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aspires to achieve Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced Monday. Rahman, currently on an official visit to Malaysia, stated his country's interest in enhanced engagement with ASEAN and also expressed a desire to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade bloc. He appreciated Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's regional integration efforts during a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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Bangladesh seeks closer engagement with ASEAN and aspires to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. We are also interested in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). I appreciate Malaysia's support for Bangladesh's regional integration efforts

Rahman's visit, his first official foreign tour since taking office, included a one-on-one meeting and delegation-level talks with Ibrahim. Discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including ICT, energy, infrastructure, manpower, the halal industry, agro-processing, education, skills development, defense, and the digital economy. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations, agreeing to enhance engagement through existing mechanisms and welcoming the growth of bilateral trade. Negotiations for a Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement were also discussed.

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Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-Malaysia relations. We agree to enhance engagement through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting and bilateral consultations between our Foreign Ministries. We also welcome the growth of bilateral trade and agree to move forward with negotiations on the Bangladesh-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement

"We have restored political stability through a democratic process. Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth," Rahman stated, highlighting efforts to build a business-friendly environment. He specifically invited Malaysian businesses to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh. Rahman also addressed the contributions of Bangladeshi workers, students, and professionals in Malaysia, requesting Ibrahim to consider recruiting more Bangladeshi workers and opening the labor market. He further raised issues concerning the regularization of irregular workers and the repatriation of detained Bangladeshis, emphasizing the need for transparent, fair, and affordable recruitment processes.

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We have restored political stability through a democratic process. Our priority is to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and accelerate economic growth. We are building a business-friendly environment and creating new opportunities for investors. I see strong potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh and warmly invite Malaysian businesses to explore these opportunities