A Malaysian delegation recently completed a successful business mission to Bangladesh, covering the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong. The mission was jointly organised by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), in collaboration with the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia.

Spearheaded by Ms Ng Su Fun of MASSA and Mr Othman Razali, General Manager of CIDB, the mission comprised key personnel from various companies representing a wide range of business activities including engineering, construction as well as highway operations and management.

Mission objectives:

• To get to know the business environment in Bangladesh
• To explore business opportunities in the following areas:
• Infrastructure development and related services in the construction of roads, highways and bridges
• Relocation of Malaysian sunset industries
• Real estate and property development
• To connect and network with relevant government agencies, Bangladesh business people in related sectors and visit potential sites
• To meet with the Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Malaysian business people in Bangladesh

The delegation was invited to engage in a series of meetings with Ministers, high-level Government officials and top leaders of various private sector groups. It was a fruitful trip indeed as it helped identify many potential business opportunities, especially in the following sectors.
Infrastructure: Power
Bangladesh is facing an acute power shortage and the government has made solving this issue a top priority with fast-track consideration for power plant deals.
Infrastructure: Highway, Railway and Road Construction
This sector presents numerous opportunities. Much investments to build roads, bridges, highways and railways are needed to meet the pace of its economic and industrial development.

Real Estate and Property Development
The delegation also met with representatives of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh. The country has a huge population, with 13.5 million inhabitants in Dhaka City alone and 7 million in Chittagong. There is great shortage of affordable housing. Members of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh as well as the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) welcome Malaysian investment proposals in this area.

Manufacturing Industries: Relocation to EPZ and Economic Zones in Bangladesh
On a visit to the Secretary to the Government/Board Of Investment member of the Prime Minister’s Office, delegates were informed that the Government of Bangladesh welcome foreign investors to relocate to the Export Processing Zones. Bangladesh also has special economic zones to cater for investments that target the large domestic market.