Dhaka talks FTA with Kuala Lumpur next month

The first round of negotiations for the Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (MBFTA) is scheduled to take place in Dhaka at the end of October 2026, a Malaysian official has said.

Dr Rashidi Said, senior director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Regional Grouping Division of Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, said the talks would mark an important step towards strengthening bilateral economic ties between the two countries.

“The negotiations will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss areas of mutual interest, including market access and business opportunities,” he told Bernama at the Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Networking Dinner on Wednesday.

He said the first meeting would be held in October, with subsequent rounds continuing until the agreement is finalised.

Rashidi, who will serve as the chief negotiator for the MBFTA, said the first round would allow both sides to identify their respective needs and determine what each country could offer the other.

The MBFTA is targeted for conclusion in 2027 as a mutually beneficial, comprehensive and forward-looking agreement reflecting current global trading practices.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury has expressed hope that the agreement will be signed by December 2027.

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

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

Malaysia, meanwhile, exports mineral fuels, fats and oils, iron and steel, plastics, machinery and organic chemicals to Bangladesh, among other products.