Malaysia and Bangladesh Begin First Round of Free Trade Talks in Dhaka
A 30-member Malaysian delegation arrived in Dhaka to start three-day negotiations on a free trade agreement with Bangladesh.
On Tuesday, a Malaysian team of 30 officials convened in Dhaka for the first round of free trade negotiations with Bangladesh, a process scheduled to last three days. Bangladesh aims to secure the pact to maintain export competitiveness once it graduates from United Nations Least Developed Country status next month. The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the agreement's importance for the country's market access.
The two governments target a 2027 conclusion for the agreement. In 2025, bilateral trade reached RM12.18 billion, making Bangladesh Malaysia's second-largest South Asian partner, with Malaysia exporting mainly petroleum products and importing textiles, apparel and footwear.
Why it matters
The agreement could shape Bangladesh's trade outlook after losing LDC privileges and deepen economic ties with a key regional partner.
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