Bangladesh has become a frontrunner in Malaysia for student enrolment and health tourism, according to business leaders, as Dhaka shows further opportunities for Kuala Lumpur in those sectors.
The country secured second place behind China for student enrolment and ranked third in health tourism, also placing among the top three or four destinations for tourism in general, according to the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI).
Newly elected BMCCI President Shabbir A Khan disclosed the developments at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday.
The chamber hosted the conference at its headquarters in the city to discuss the outcomes of a recent visit by a business delegation to Malaysia.
Led by Mr Khan, the delegation in February travelled to Malaysia, whose population is over 33 million and whose economy is the fifth largest in Southeast Asia.
"Both parties agreed to conduct a joint study to identify probable goods for export between the two countries," said the BMCCI President.
Mr Khan said, "The number of students enrolling from Bangladesh in Malaysia rose sharply last year, with 6,575 students compared to 3,992 the previous year. This increase will contribute to cultural exchange between the two countries."
He said the delegation explored the potential to boost Bangladesh's small and medium ventures, inspired by Malaysia's success in this sector, which contributes 46 per cent of its GDP.
"Malaysia has a demand for skilled workers in its technology and ICT industries, which presents job opportunities for Bangladeshi engineers," he added.
The BMCCI says it will set up a help desk to assist expatriates with visa-related issues and a counselling desk to encourage students to enrol in polytechnic engineering programmes in Malaysia.
Mr Khan also said that both countries agreed in principle to promote halal food and narrow the gap between the two Muslim nations.
He appreciated the support provided by Bangladesh's High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shameem Ahsan.
He said the BMCCI intends to expedite the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, taking into account Bangladesh's projected graduation to developing nation status by 2026.
The meeting was attended by BMCCI Secretary General Motaher Hoshan Khan, Joint Secretary General Rubaiyat Ahsan and Director Mahbub Alam Shah.
The BMCCI delegation held discussions with prominent figures from their Malaysian counterparts, including CEOs and senior officials from the Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) Secretariat, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Tourism Malaysia, SME Corporation Malaysia and the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA).
The BMCCI approached the Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation to seek their expertise and proven knowledge in helping Bangladesh achieve its vision of a 'Smart Bangladesh'.
Mr Khan said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation would research to identify products and services most suitable for export from Bangladesh to Malaysia. This research will also consider Malaysia's import needs, to increase Bangladeshi exports.
The BMCCI and EMGS will collaborate to address challenges faced by Bangladeshi students in Malaysia.
"The Education Malaysia Global Services plans to open an office in Bangladesh to provide direct support to students and enhance their overall experience," Mr Khan said. "The collaboration will involve data sharing to improve student support and ensure access to accurate information for their academic success."
Malaysia imports goods worth around $300 billion annually. However, Bangladesh's exports to Malaysia currently stand at only $373 million.
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