Tarique set to embark on first six-day foreign tour covering Malaysia, China

Labour market issues top the agenda as the prime minister is set to visit Kuala Lumpur

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to begin his first overseas tour since assuming office, travelling to Malaysia and China on a six-day diplomatic visit.

The premier’s overseas visit will begin with a trip to Malaysia on Sunday and conclude on Jun 26.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam outlined details of the tour at a press briefing at the foreign ministry on Saturday.

Foreign ministry officials said labour market issues would be the top priority during the Kuala Lumpur visit.

The foreign secretary said Bangladesh and Malaysia were expected to sign two documents related to cultural exchange and a free trade agreement.

He also said Bangladesh was hoping to sign between 15 and 17 documents with China on different issues.

These include 13 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol.

[Updates to follow]