Malaysia and Bangladesh should expand their bilateral cooperation into emerging and high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), energy and semiconductors, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, Anwar said both countries must look beyond traditional areas of cooperation and explore opportunities in technology-driven industries.
While investment and trade remain important pillars of the bilateral relationship, he said future collaboration should also focus on research, innovation and emerging technologies, particularly AI, which is expected to play a major role in shaping future economies.
“We need to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, not only in traditional sectors such as agriculture but also in new areas including semiconductors, the digital economy, energy and advanced manufacturing,” Anwar said.
Earlier, both leaders witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation, as well as two Exchanges of Notes (EoN) covering anti-terrorism research and investment promotion and facilitation.
During the meeting, Anwar also raised concerns regarding the plight of the Rohingya community currently seeking refuge in Bangladesh.
He expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s efforts in hosting the displaced population and reiterated Malaysia’s support for ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
Prior to the press conference, Anwar and Tarique held bilateral discussions to review the progress of Malaysia-Bangladesh relations and explore ways to strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors.
The discussions covered trade and investment, human resource management, semiconductors, energy, agriculture and education, while both leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Tarique arrived in Malaysia on Sunday night for his first official bilateral overseas visit since assuming office in February 2026.
Economic ties between the two countries have continued to grow steadily. In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh reached RM12.18 billion (US$2.84 billion).
Malaysia exported goods worth RM10.08 billion (US$2.35 billion) to Bangladesh, with petroleum products accounting for the largest share of exports.
Imports from Bangladesh totalled RM2.10 billion (US$500 million), mainly consisting of textiles, garments and footwear.
Bangladesh is currently Malaysia’s 28th largest trading partner globally and the country’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia after India. It also remains an important export destination and source of imports for Malaysia in the region.
Both leaders expressed confidence that stronger cooperation in emerging industries would further enhance bilateral relations and create new economic opportunities for both nations.
