Mahathir for greater economic ties among Muslim nations
Sunday, 9 August 2009
FE Report
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad asked for a greater economic cooperation among the Islamic nations.
Dr Mahathir said this when a four-member Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) delegation led by its President Salahuddin Kasem Khan called on him at the former's office in Kuala Lumpur recently, said a press release.
Other members of the delegation were BMCCI Vice-president Abdus Salam and Director Ashraful H Chowdhury, and First Secretary (Commercial) Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia Rezaul Bashar Siddiqui.
Referring to introduction of scholarship and gold medal in his name at the University of Dhaka, Dr Mahathir stressed upon the need for upgradation of knowledge and skill in the field of science and technology.
He expressed the hope that Bangladeshi students and researchers would contribute significantly to the country's development.
He advocated for increase of more Bangladesh trade to Malaysia and said that preferential treatment should be extended to Bangladeshi products like ready-made garments (RMG), Halal foods, jute, pharmaceuticals and other non-traditional items to ease access to Malaysian market.
The delegation briefed the former premier that though Malaysia is the fifth largest investor in Bangladesh with US$ 1.337 billion but in trade there was huge imbalance with Malaysian exports of $448 million mostly palm oil and imports from Bangladesh of only $24 million.
The BMCCI delegation advocated for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
The delegation also discussed with Dr Mahathir about the BMCCI's initiative in holding the first ever Showcase Bangladesh 2010 in Kuala Lumpur from January 8-10, 2010.
The former Malaysian PM reiterated the effective bilateral relationship between the two countries and acknowledged the warm hospitality of Bangladesh people.
In this connection, he emphasised on the good governance, political stability and strong leadership to give positive direction to Bangladesh development.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad asked for a greater economic cooperation among the Islamic nations.
Dr Mahathir said this when a four-member Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) delegation led by its President Salahuddin Kasem Khan called on him at the former's office in Kuala Lumpur recently, said a press release.
Other members of the delegation were BMCCI Vice-president Abdus Salam and Director Ashraful H Chowdhury, and First Secretary (Commercial) Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia Rezaul Bashar Siddiqui.
Referring to introduction of scholarship and gold medal in his name at the University of Dhaka, Dr Mahathir stressed upon the need for upgradation of knowledge and skill in the field of science and technology.
He expressed the hope that Bangladeshi students and researchers would contribute significantly to the country's development.
He advocated for increase of more Bangladesh trade to Malaysia and said that preferential treatment should be extended to Bangladeshi products like ready-made garments (RMG), Halal foods, jute, pharmaceuticals and other non-traditional items to ease access to Malaysian market.
The delegation briefed the former premier that though Malaysia is the fifth largest investor in Bangladesh with US$ 1.337 billion but in trade there was huge imbalance with Malaysian exports of $448 million mostly palm oil and imports from Bangladesh of only $24 million.
The BMCCI delegation advocated for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
The delegation also discussed with Dr Mahathir about the BMCCI's initiative in holding the first ever Showcase Bangladesh 2010 in Kuala Lumpur from January 8-10, 2010.
The former Malaysian PM reiterated the effective bilateral relationship between the two countries and acknowledged the warm hospitality of Bangladesh people.
In this connection, he emphasised on the good governance, political stability and strong leadership to give positive direction to Bangladesh development.