Bangladesh should 'focus on collaboration with Malaysia'

Bangladesh can make various trade-offs and complementarities with Malaysia due to their differing types of economies, Ambassador M. Riaz Hamidullah, Additional Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, said at a lecture on Sunday.
He said that Bangladesh should focus on collaboration with countries such as Malaysia, rather than just cooperation.
Many have been talking about a free trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia, but pursuing an FTA is a lengthy process, he noted.
"The days of cooperation and FTA are over, it is now time for a collaborative approach," he added.
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the event on 'Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations: Moving Towards Prosperity' at its auditorium in the capital, with High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Haznah Md Hashim Haznah as the keynote speaker.
Malaysian envoy Haznah called for stronger bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in areas of mutual benefit such as trade, investment, and labour migration.
She said that Malaysia has pledged its support for Bangladesh's proposal to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
She also reiterated her country's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
"We are your trusted friend, as proven from day one of your establishment … We are opening our hands to our Bangladeshi friends," she said, referring to Malaysia's historic ties with Bangladesh.
Haznah emphasized the need for further collaboration in technological and industrial sector, human resources development and cultural exchanges.
With the upcoming proposal for ASEAN membership on the horizon, Malaysia's endorsement could serve as a crucial step in advancing Bangladesh's regional integration and development strategy.
The lecture attracted participation from senior government officials, diplomats, military personnel, business leaders, and academia, who contributed their insights during an open discussion on how to strengthen Bangladesh-Malaysia relations in the future.
The lecture, part of BIISS's Country Lecture Series (CLS), which resumed after a COVID-19-induced hiatus, focused on deepening ties in areas such as trade, investment, labour migration, and diplomatic cooperation.
The CLS, first introduced in 2013, aims to promote a deeper understanding of Bangladesh's relationships with key partner countries. This inaugural session for 2024 marks a significant step in reinvigorating discussions on Bangladesh's strategic partnerships, with Malaysia's backing for Bangladesh's ASEAN bid serving as a focal point for regional integration efforts.
BIISS Chairman Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker chaired the session. Major General Iftekhar Anis, Director General of BIISS, delivered the welcome address.

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