Economic Reporter :Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Thursday sought for duty-free access of all Bangladeshi products in Malaysia. The minister also called upon the Malaysian investors to invest in the country for the betterment of two countries economy.The minister said this at the inaugural ceremony of ‘the 4th Showcase Malaysia-2015’ at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in the city. The 3-day fair was organized by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BMCCI).Only 19 Bangladeshi products out of 498 are getting duty-free access to Malaysia, said the minister adding that Malaysian export to Bangladesh is about $ two billion while imports only $140 million.Both governments are working to sign free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries with a view to reducing the trade gap, Tofail added.22 Malaysian companies are taking part in the fair. The participating companies are manufacturers, exporters, traders, educational institutions, service providers, telecommunications, banking sector, information technology, tourism, healthcare and medical.Speaking on the occasion, Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Norlin Binti Othman said, Malaysia was waiting to get response from Bangladesh to start the next stage of negotiation for free trade agreement between the two countries as it was ready to host the first meeting in this regard in Kuala Lumpur.Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Matlub Ahmad said, the fourth Showcase Malaysia 2015 is a business platform which will strengthen investment and trade ties between the two countries. There is huge potential to have joint ventures with Malaysian companies in Bangladesh in areas like health, tourism and food processing units, said the FBCCI President.
