Malaysia-Bangladesh FTA First Round Negotiations Set For End-October

By Zufazlin Baharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The first round of the Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (MBFTA) is set for the end of October 2026 in Dhaka, said Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) senior director of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Regional Grouping Division, Dr Rashidi Said.

He said this will mark an important step forward in efforts to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

“The negotiations will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss areas of mutual interest including market access and opportunities for business.

“The first meeting will take place in October, and the subsequent meetings will continue until it is finalised," he told Bernama at the Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Networking Dinner on Wednesday.

He said the first round of negotiations will provide an opportunity for both sides to identify their respective needs and determine what Malaysia can offer Bangladesh and vice versa.

Rashidi will be the chief negotiator for the MBFTA.

The MBFTA is targeted to be concluded in 2027 as a mutually beneficial, comprehensive and forward-looking agreement that reflects current global trading practices.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury was reported to have expressed hope that the MBFTA would be signed by December 2027.

According to Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Mosammat Shahanara Monica, from January 2025 to July 2026, Bangladesh exported approximately US$305.55 million in goods to Malaysia, while imports from Malaysia stood at approximately US$2.26 billion.

Bangladesh’s exports to Malaysia include ready-made garments, knitwear and woven garments, footwear and leather products, food and beverages, vegetables and spices.

Meanwhile, Malaysia supplies Bangladesh with mineral fuels, fats and oils, iron and steel, plastics, machinery and organic chemicals, among other products.

-- BERNAMA