Bangladesh is one of Malaysia’s strategic trade partners. Its economy has been expanding about 5-6% annually; with higher per capita income of USD1,600 (2010) and a high income remittance of USD11 billion (2010). There is good prospect for halal products as Muslims comprise 80% of its population of 166 million. There is an increasing number of better organised retail outlets and convenience stores that offer a wide variety of imported products. An additional plus-factor is the Bangladeshi workers’ exposure to and familiarity with Malaysian products. From 2001 to 2010, Malaysia-Bangladesh trade increased almost ten times with an average growth rate of 24.7%. Bangladesh is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in the South Asia region.

In terms of global trade, Bangladesh ranked as Malaysia’s 22nd major export destination and 74th major import source. Total trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh for 2010 was USD1.28 billion, representing an increase of 56.1% from 2009. In 2010, exports to Bangladesh amounted to USD1,257.93 million while imports from Bangladesh totalled USD26.66 million.

Malaysia’s major exports to Bangladesh in 2010 were refined petroleum products, palm oil, chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products and manufactured metal products. There is great export potential for other products such as palm oil products, healthcare and pharmaceutical products, processed food and beverages, electrical and electronic products, ICT, education, furniture and fast-moving consumer products.

Import items from Bangladesh to Malaysia include processed food, textile and clothing, vegetables, roots and tubers, electrical and electronic products, seafood, chemicals and chemical products, beverages and tobacco, crude rubber, machinery, appliances and parts as well as rubber products.

The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) organised the Second “Showcase Malaysia 2011” in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) from 10 to 12 June 2011 at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This showcase was held to create awareness among Bangladeshi consumers of Malaysia’s high quality products and services and to strengthen the bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

“Showcase Malaysia 2011” was officially opened on 10 June 2011 with the inauguration ceremony officiated by Hon. Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. Other VIP Guests at the Opening Ceremony were YB Dato’ Tan Lian Hoe, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumerism of Malaysia and H.E. Jamaluddin Sabeh, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh.

40 companies participated in this showcase, offering various Malaysian products and services in palm oil, machinery and industrial products, telecommunication, ICT, food and beverages, tourism, electrical and electronics products, automotive parts and accessories, herbal products, cosmetics, toiletries, healthcare and pharmaceutical products and services as well as furniture and education services.