Malaysia is emerging as a prime destination for Bangladeshi medical tourists, leveraging its advanced healthcare infrastructure and growing bilateral ties, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd. Shuhada Bin Osman announced during a high-level business summit in Chattogram on Monday.

Trade Imbalance and Investment Priorities

Trade Deficit: Malaysia exported goods worth $206.6 million to Bangladesh in September 2025, while imports stood at $38.2 million, reflecting a lopsided $3 billion annual trade volume.

Sectoral Opportunities: Calls to address the deficit through Malaysian investments in Bangladesh’s light engineering, electronics, and shipbuilding sectors, particularly in Mirsarai’s special economic zones.

Direct Flights: Proposals for Dhaka-Chattogram-Kuala Lumpur air routes to streamline trade and medical travel.

Strategic Collaborations

The envoy highlighted five bilateral agreements signed during Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s August 2025 Malaysia visit, aimed at boosting halal product exports, telecommunications, and energy partnerships. Bangladesh currently hosts 9,000 Malaysian-educated students and accounts for 37% of Malaysia’s expatriate workforce.

Medical Tourism Push

With over 500,000 Bangladeshis seeking overseas treatment annually, Malaysia’s private hospitals—noted for cardiac and oncology specialities—are targeting cost-conscious patients through visa simplifications and tailored packages.

ASEAN Aspirations

Bangladesh sought Malaysia’s backing for ASEAN membership during the talks, alongside requests for rubber industry joint ventures and streamlined palm oil trade. Chattogram Chamber Administrator Mohammad Nurullah Noori stressed “shared Islamic heritage” as a foundation for deeper economic integration.

Key Attendees:

Former President of Chattogram Chamber and Honorary Consul of Thailand, Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, Former Senior Vice President M. A. Salam, Honorary Consul of Malaysia Mohammad Akhter Parvez, Former Director of the Chamber Zahirul Islam Chowdhury Alamgir, President of the Pan Exporters Association Md. Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, MD of Park Shipping Humayun Kabir Patwary, Executive Director of Trusted Shipping Lines Ltd. Wahid Alam, and Director of Women Chamber Amina Shaheen shared their insights.