Malaysia wishes to take its friendship with Bangladesh to ‘greater heights’ by narrowing the trade deficit.
Published : 03 Dec 2014, 10:38 PM
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Joint commission meetings will be held as early as next year, it was decided during Prime Minister Najib Razak’s meeting with His counterpart Sheikh Hasina at his Putra Jaya office on Wednesday.
The two sides will discuss ways to close trade gaps and to reach an agreement on free trade, said Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque.
“The Malaysian prime minister said ‘we already enjoy a very good relationship with Bangladesh. We want to take it to greater heights’.”
“There aren’t any irritants between us, he said. He began speaking by saying he wants to better our relationship,” Haque added.
Malaysia exports nearly $2 billion worth goods to Bangladesh while $135 million worth goods goes to the Southeast Asian country from Bangladesh.
Haque told reporters that both countries had agreed in enhancing trade and commerce as the present rate of business was disproportionately imbalanced and in favour of Malaysia.
He said the Malaysian prime minister recognised the issue and indicated that initiatives would be taken to reduce the gap.
Razak greeted Hasina when her motorcade reached Pardana Putra from Hotel Grand Hyatt, where a red carpet and honour guards awaited the Bangladesh premier.