Government's main objective is to secure investment from Malaysia: Mahdi Amin

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The government's primary objective is to secure investment in Bangladesh from Malaysia, said Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office.

He stated that, with this goal in mind, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman held meetings with the chief executives of five leading Malaysian companies. He made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a press conference held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said, “In order to promote a free-market economy, we are moving forward with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Through this process, we are pursuing economic liberalization and deregulation. The main objective is to attract investment from various sources, and Malaysia is one of our major target destinations in this regard.”

He added, “During his visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Tareque Rahman discussed investment opportunities with top officials from five Malaysian companies. Our main objective is to increase Malaysian investment in Bangladesh. Given that Bangladesh has a large market-based economy, there is naturally substantial consumer demand here, which Malaysian investors are well-positioned to meet.”

Mahdi Amin further said, “Our country offers tremendous employment opportunities. On one hand, there is strong market demand, and on the other, we have the capacity to sustain it with a skilled workforce. By combining these strengths, we are assuring Malaysia that if it invests in Bangladesh, our government will provide all necessary policy support. At the same time, through deregulation and the simplification of regulations, we will create a business- and investment-friendly environment.”

Regarding the meetings with senior officials of five major Malaysian corporations, he said, “The primary purpose of these engagements is to enhance investment and trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh and to further boost employment opportunities in Bangladesh.”

The companies whose top executives met with the Prime Minister were Petronas Group, Axiata, AirAsia, Perodua, and MMC Force.

Mahdi Amin highlighted the significance of the Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia, saying, “This visit has opened a new chapter of friendship between the two countries.”

He added, “The Prime Minister of Malaysia emphasized the unique historical, brotherly, and friendly relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia. The two Prime Ministers held extensive discussions on how economic cooperation could be further strengthened and expanded by increasing trade and investment while prioritizing mutual interests.”

Also present at the press conference were Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister; Atikur Rahman Rumman, Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister; Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony; and Deputy High Commissioner Shahanara Monika.