Dhaka: Industries minister Amir Hossain Amu has said Bangladesh wants to strengthen its ties further with Malaysia in every possible area for mutual the benefits.

‘Malaysia is a time-tested friend of Bangladesh. We’re very close to each other. The trade and other commercial relationships between Bangladesh and Malaysia have some special significance,’ he said.

The Industries minister was addressing a function ‘Cultural Show and Gala Dinner’ at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city on Friday night as part of the three-day ‘Showcase Malaysia 2015’ that ends on Saturday.  

Malaysian High Commissioner in Dhaka Norlin Othman, International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC,B) President Mahbubur Rahman Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Abdul Matlub Ahmed, Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) President Nasir A Choudhury, Showcase Malaysia organising committee chairman Syed Moazzam Hossain and Treasurer Syed Almas Kabir also spoke on the occasion.  

Amu said the steady diversification of relationships between Bangladesh and Malaysia has become a natural process. ‘I believe, the arrangement of the 4th Showcase Malaysia-2015 will be a milestone in strengthening trade and investment between these two friendly countries.’

The Malaysian High Commissioner expressed happiness over the wider presence of Malaysian companies in the showcase.  

She said people had kept her asking whether the Showcase Malaysia would take place following security concern. ‘I replied yes, we’ve no problem. We believe Bangladesh can offer a lot for Malaysian businesspeople and they’re here,’ Norlin said.

The diplomat also said there have been lots of interaction and collaboration between businesspeople of the two countries which will help reach the trade ties to newer heights.