PUTRAJAYA, June 22 — Cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh must be expanded into new and emerging areas, including artificial intelligence (AI), energy and semiconductors, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said while investment remains pivotal, collaboration between the two countries must extend beyond traditional sectors into research and new technology, particularly in AI, which are key challenges for the future.
“We should enhance our bilateral trade and investment and, as I said, in new areas other than agriculture which remains one of the key areas, but then semiconductor, digital economy, energy, advanced manufacturing,” he said at a joint press conference with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, here today.
Earlier, the leaders witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation, as well as two exchanges of notes in the fields of counter-terrorism research and investment promotion and facilitation.
Anwar expressed his profound gratitude to Rahman for accepting Malaysia’s invitation and making an official trip here.
“I am very pleased that Malaysia is the first country he has chosen for his official visit, and that gesture is very much appreciated. It shows your deep affection and trust,” he said.
Anwar recalled that Tarique and his family have endured hardships and struggles while remaining consistent in their ideals to defend freedom and promote the progress of their people and country.
“We were among the first to call and congratulate him personally, and I said I look forward to his visit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tarique said there is strong potential for Malaysian investment in Bangladesh, and he invited Malaysian businesses to explore the available opportunities.
He added that discussions today covered a wide range of sectors, including energy, infrastructure, manpower, the halal industry, agro-processing, education, skills development, defence, the digital economy, semiconductors and other high-value industries.
“Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Malaysia serve as an important bridge between our two countries. Their contribution benefits both our economy and societies,” he said.
In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh stood at RM12.18 billion. Malaysia’s total exports to Bangladesh were valued at RM10.08 billion, with petroleum products constituting the principal export.
Imports from Bangladesh amounted to RM2.1 billion, comprising mainly textiles, apparel, and footwear.
Bangladesh is Malaysia’s 28th-largest trading partner globally, with total trade amounting to RM12.18 billion, and its second-largest trading partner, export destination and source of imports in the South Asia region after India.
