KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 (Bernama) — Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has called on Malaysian investors to explore the vast business opportunities in Bangladesh, underpinned by the country’s youthful, creative and huge population.
Speaking at a business seminar on trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Malaysia here today, Yunus noted that half of Bangladesh’s population is under the age of 26, offering a significant demographic advantage.
Also present at the forum was the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“These young people’s aspirations are limitless, and their creativity is boundless. If given the opportunity, they can transform Bangladesh and even the world,” Yunus said.
He said Bangladesh is undergoing a “new era” following the recent youth-led movement, with barriers to business being removed and the government working to make the country business-friendly in every way.
“With this concept of a new Bangladesh, many things have emerged. Many unexplored areas are being tapped — one of them is the business sector— and Bangladesh is striving to be business-friendly in every possible way. We are excited about the prospect of widening the horizon of business,” he added.
He also highlighted untapped sectors such as the maritime economy, digital services market and cross-border trade with neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan and India’s northeastern states.
Yunus noted that Malaysia was the first country to adopt the Grameen Bank model in the early 1980s, through the establishment of Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.
He said such examples show how innovations originating in Bangladesh can have a global impact, and encouraged Malaysian businesses to tap into this culture of creativity.
“Business in Bangladesh is not just about making money, it is also about the excitement of creating impact. We welcome you to share in our journey,” he said.
Yunus is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia from Aug 11 to 13.
Bangladesh is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and export destination in South Asia, with key exports including petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals, while imports comprise textiles, footwear, petroleum products and manufactured goods.
In 2024, Malaysia–Bangladesh trade rose 5.1 per cent to RM13.35 billion (US$2.92 billion).
The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, building on the strong ties established since diplomatic relations began in 1972.
— BERNAMA
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