DCCI puts emphasis on signing FTA with Malaysia

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Tuesday laid emphasis on signing free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Malaysia to boost bilateral trade and investment.

DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan urged the Malaysian High Commissioner Nur Ashikin Binti Mohd Taib to take necessary measures to sign the FTA as the envoy made a courtesy call on him at his DCCI office, said a press release.

The High Commissioner said Bangladesh has a promising future in terms of trade, commerce and economic development.

Regarding infrastructure development, Bangladesh did well in the recent past, she said, adding, “Few large infrastructure development works are under construction but rapid implementation of these projects are needed.

Mentioning that stability in the last decade helped Bangladesh keep its GDP growth ahead, the envoy said the ASEAN market is one of the largest potential markets in the world and Bangladesh can take its advantages by investing in this region.

Terming Bangladesh as the gateway to South and Southeast Asian region, Abul Kasem Khan said DCCI always advocates for Bangladesh’s inclusion in the ASEAN as a member country.

Referring Malaysia as the best place in halal certification process among the Muslim countries, he said with the help of Malaysia’s expertise and knowledge sharing, DCCI would like to work as a halal certification agency especially in this field.

“As Bangladesh is a market of 160 million people and most of them are Muslims so halal certification could be a promising sector to be explored,” added the DCCI president.

He also invited Malaysian investors to invest in Bangladesh’s infrastructure, power and energy, tourism and leather sectors, reports BSS.

DCCI Vice President Riyadh Hossain, Directors Waqar Ahmad Choudhury, Hossain A Sikder, Andaleeb Hasan, Eng M Al Amin, SM Zillur Rahman and Humayun Rashid were present during the meeting.