Malaysian businesses are exploring investments in Bangladesh’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector as both countries seek to expand economic ties beyond traditional trade, opening opportunities in technology, healthcare, tourism and advanced manufacturing.
The interest emerged at the “Bangladesh Business Forum: Connecting Businesses, Forging Partnership and Expanding Opportunities” held in Kuala Lumpur on 23 September, where a 39-member delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) met Malaysian business leaders.
The forum, organised by the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), also resulted in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two chambers to promote trade, investment and business linkages, DCCI said on Wednesday.
KCCI President Jeffery Tan said Malaysia’s industries were shifting from labour-intensive activities towards technology-driven sectors, creating scope for Malaysian companies to explore Bangladesh’s ICT industry.
“Malaysian entrepreneurs could consider investing in Bangladesh’s ICT sector if the necessary facilities and a conducive investment environment are ensured,” he said.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said Bangladesh’s growing services sector, manufacturing base and large domestic market offered opportunities for Malaysian investors.
He identified energy infrastructure, digital financial services, telecommunications, semiconductors, halal products, healthcare, tourism and skills development as potential areas for cooperation.
Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest readymade garment exporter, along with its expanding manufacturing and services sectors, could help attract more foreign investment, he said.
Taskeen also sought Malaysia’s support in increasing Bangladeshi exports to ASEAN markets and developing healthcare infrastructure.
“Bangladeshis spend around $4 billion-$6 billion annually on medical treatment abroad, creating an opportunity for Malaysian healthcare companies to establish advanced hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh,” he added.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury said stronger trade ties required addressing key barriers, including the absence of a bilateral trade agreement.
He expressed hope that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Malaysia would be signed by December 2027, saying it would help expand trade and investment flows.
The high commissioner invited Malaysian businesses to invest in aviation, healthcare, ICT and agro-processing while seeking Malaysia’s support in developing Bangladesh’s halal ecosystem and semiconductor skills.
Tan Ching Khim, chairman of SME Corporation Malaysia, said stronger links between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of both countries could create new business opportunities.
Malaysia currently has 1.3 million SMEs, he said, urging DCCI and KCCI to build stronger connections among entrepreneurs.
He also highlighted the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s economy, particularly in infrastructure development, saying the positive relationship between the two communities could support wider economic cooperation.
DCCI Senior Vice-President Razeev H Chowdhury presented Bangladesh’s investment opportunities and called for faster progress on an FTA, stronger halal economic cooperation and technical support for Bangladeshi SME exporters.
The event included 40 business-to-business matchmaking sessions between DCCI delegates and Malaysian companies.
Later, the delegation met Malaysian Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, who said tourist arrivals from Bangladesh had increased in recent years.
He said Malaysia was interested in promoting Muslim tourism and providing training to develop skilled manpower and management capacity for Bangladesh’s tourism sector.
The minister also said Malaysia was considering establishing advanced hospitals and medical centres in Bangladesh and proposed an MoU between Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Centre and DCCI to strengthen tourism cooperation.
