Govt hopes KL will soon lift ban on Bangladeshi job seekers
Sunday, 26 July 2009
FE Report
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud Saturday said the government hoped Malaysia would soon withdraw an earlier order that cancelled visas for over 55,000 Bangladeshi jobseekers in March last.
"We are closely working on the issue," he said while speaking at a luncheon meeting of Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) at a hotel in the capital.
In early March, the Malaysian government cancelled visas for more than 55,000 jobseekers who were due to enter one of the major manpower destinations of the country.
Dr Mahmud said although Mauritius was sending back its Bangladeshi male workforce home at the end of the year when their contract period expires, it was still hiring female workers from Bangladesh.
"Some workers were supposed to return home in April. But they have been allowed to stay until December due to the gov ernment's swift diplomatic move."
The state minister insisted the number of outgoing migrant workers was five times higher than the number of returnees.
"We have found new labour markets in the Easter European countries. Several thousand workers have already reached there and more workers will soon join them."
He said the government is very serious about the manpower issue. "Our foreign and labour ministers went to Malaysia after they had cancelled the visas. The foreign minister held meetings with several Malaysian ministers during her visit."
"We are trying hard. We hope they will soon withdraw their visa cancellation order."
The state minister said no country was immune to the global economic crisis. "But our migrant workers have been less affected compared to those of other countries. Moreover, in May, we have received highest ever remittance in a single month."
Dr Mahmud said trade is still in favour of Malaysia though it is the fifth biggest investor in Bangladesh.
He thinks there should be an agreement between the two countries to strengthen trade ties.
Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said the development model of Malaysia can be a benchmark for the country's economy and their experiences can be shared in the government's vision to build a digital Bangladesh by 2021.
Bangladesh's export to Malaysia in 2007-08 was $24.17 million against the import of $448 million. But Mr Khan believes that there is still scope for improvement in trade and investment between the two countries.
"Still more can be invested. The present government is ready to accept investment offer," he said adding that Malaysian entrepreneurs can particularly invest in textile sector.
Abdul Karim, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, said a free trade area (FTA) agreement between two countries could cut existing trade imbalances.
BMCCI Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain said the Chamber was working to organise an event styled 'Showcase Bangladesh' in Kuala Lumpur early next year with a view to introducing Bangladeshi products to Malaysian buyers.
BMCCI President Salahuddin Kashem Khan chaired the meeting.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud Saturday said the government hoped Malaysia would soon withdraw an earlier order that cancelled visas for over 55,000 Bangladeshi jobseekers in March last.
"We are closely working on the issue," he said while speaking at a luncheon meeting of Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) at a hotel in the capital.
In early March, the Malaysian government cancelled visas for more than 55,000 jobseekers who were due to enter one of the major manpower destinations of the country.
Dr Mahmud said although Mauritius was sending back its Bangladeshi male workforce home at the end of the year when their contract period expires, it was still hiring female workers from Bangladesh.
"Some workers were supposed to return home in April. But they have been allowed to stay until December due to the gov ernment's swift diplomatic move."
The state minister insisted the number of outgoing migrant workers was five times higher than the number of returnees.
"We have found new labour markets in the Easter European countries. Several thousand workers have already reached there and more workers will soon join them."
He said the government is very serious about the manpower issue. "Our foreign and labour ministers went to Malaysia after they had cancelled the visas. The foreign minister held meetings with several Malaysian ministers during her visit."
"We are trying hard. We hope they will soon withdraw their visa cancellation order."
The state minister said no country was immune to the global economic crisis. "But our migrant workers have been less affected compared to those of other countries. Moreover, in May, we have received highest ever remittance in a single month."
Dr Mahmud said trade is still in favour of Malaysia though it is the fifth biggest investor in Bangladesh.
He thinks there should be an agreement between the two countries to strengthen trade ties.
Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said the development model of Malaysia can be a benchmark for the country's economy and their experiences can be shared in the government's vision to build a digital Bangladesh by 2021.
Bangladesh's export to Malaysia in 2007-08 was $24.17 million against the import of $448 million. But Mr Khan believes that there is still scope for improvement in trade and investment between the two countries.
"Still more can be invested. The present government is ready to accept investment offer," he said adding that Malaysian entrepreneurs can particularly invest in textile sector.
Abdul Karim, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, said a free trade area (FTA) agreement between two countries could cut existing trade imbalances.
BMCCI Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain said the Chamber was working to organise an event styled 'Showcase Bangladesh' in Kuala Lumpur early next year with a view to introducing Bangladeshi products to Malaysian buyers.
BMCCI President Salahuddin Kashem Khan chaired the meeting.