Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Malaysia and Bangladesh have inked eight key agreements to boost relations in major sectors like military, energy, higher education, and private sector engagement. The signing ceremony was held during Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus‘ official visit to Malaysia, which was a major turning point in the two countries’ growing relations. The three-day visit, which began Monday evening, comes at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It follows Prime Minister Anwar’s official trip to Bangladesh in October 2024, a visit that laid the groundwork for this latest round of cooperation.
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Professor Yunus was warmly received in Kuala Lumpur at 7:50 PM local time, and formal talks between the two leaders were held Tuesday morning in Putrajaya. The conversations focused on assessing progress in key areas and developing ideas for taking the two nations’ relationship to the next level. The signing ceremony was the highlight of the day, with both leaders witnessing the exchange of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three Notes of Exchange. These agreements seek to strengthen cooperation in areas that are important to both countries.
Areas of cooperation
- Higher education: Malaysian Foreign Minister Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan and Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain held a discussion on higher education. The agreement aims to promote academic relations, collaborative research, and student exchange programs between universities in both countries.
- Diplomatic training: This agreement was made for diplomat training and building skills. This aims to improve professional development and institutional exchange between the diplomatic services of the two nations.
- Halal industry development: The third agreement for cooperation was in the halal industry, which was exchanged by Senator Dr. Zulkifli bin Hasan of Malaysia and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh’s Investment Development Authority. The agreement aims to promote halal certification, trade, and investment in halal-based industries.
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Key MoUs signed
- Defense cooperation: An MoU on defense was signed by Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. This deal includes plans for closer military cooperation, training, and joint projects to tackle regional security issues.
- Energy and LNG infrastructure: Malaysia’s Acting Economy Minister Amir Hamzah bin Azizan and Bangladesh’s Energy Adviser M Fouzul Kabir Khan signed an agreement on energy cooperation that includes LNG supply and infrastructure. The MoU creates opportunities for energy security and infrastructure development.
- Strategic policy research: The Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) have established a formal partnership. ISIS Chairman Professor Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah and Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Shameem Ahsan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperative research and regional engagement.
- Technology and innovation: Malaysia’s MIMOS Services Sdn Bhd (MSSB) and the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) have agreed to engage on digital innovation and smart technology. The MoU was signed by MSSB CEO Mohamad Fauzi Yahaya and BMCCI President Shabbir Ahmed Khan.
- Private sector engagement: Finally, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) reached an agreement to deepen trade and investment partnership. This agreement was signed by NCCIM President N Gobalakrishnan and FBCCI Administrator Md Hafizur Rahman.
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Strengthening a growing partnership
Speaking at a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, both leaders lauded the agreements as a major milestone in the bilateral relationship. Chief Adviser Yunus called the outcomes “clear progress toward a more integrated and mutually beneficial partnership.” Prime Minister Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development goals and emphasized the importance of regional connectivity.
Malaysia and Bangladesh have seen steady growth in their trade relationship. In 2024, bilateral trade increased by 5.1% to RM13.35 billion (USD 2.92 billion). Currently, Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia. Malaysia exports palm oil, petroleum products, and chemicals to Bangladesh. In return, Bangladesh exports textiles, footwear, and manufactured goods to Malaysia. The following agreements aim to create new opportunities for collaboration and show the growing trust and ambition between the two countries.
