49-man trade team to visit Malaysia

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FE Report
A 49-member trade delegation will visit Malaysia on November 12-15 aiming to reduce Bangladesh's trade deficit with that country.
The delegation, comprising importers, exporters and investors from different trade bodies, will attend the INTRADE Malaysia 2007, organised by Bangladesh- Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI).
"Bangladesh has been suffering a chronic trade deficit with Malaysia. We need to take steps to reduce this trade gap by encouraging more Bangladeshi export to Malaysia," BMCCI honorary secretary general Syed Moazzam Hossain said while addressing a press conference in the city Wednesday.
During January to September period of calendar 2007, Bangladesh's imports from Malaysia totalled US$ 248.66 million against exports worth only $16.90 million.
Bangladesh imported products worth $ 169.13 million in 2002-03, $254.41 million in 2003-04, $ 275.98 in 2004-05 and $ 332.40 million in 2005-06.
In 2002-03, Bangladesh's export was worth $ 4.72 million, $ 8.65 million in 2003-04, $13.9 million in 2004-05 and $18 million in 2005-06.
"The main objective of the visit is to promote trade and investment as well as to create market access for Bangladeshi products to Malaysia," Hossain said.
INTRADE Malaysia is a regular annual event, participated by more than 40 countries across the globe.
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association (BIAA) and Women Entrepreneurs Association (WEA) will participate in the event in Kuala Lumpur.
The delegation will attend business-matching sessions for fostering business collaboration with delegates of all the participating countries.
The business delegation will hold meetings with the Bangladesh High Commissioner, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Malay Chamber of Commerce.