Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visits to Malaysia and China cannot be seen merely as visits to two countries. This was an important beginning of Bangladesh's new foreign policy.
An effort to give new momentum to relations with two important partner countries.
In this visit, Bangladesh received not only promises but a clear roadmap for future cooperation. In the language of diplomacy, all achievements are not immediately visible. Sometimes a successful meeting, a joint declaration, or a memorandum of understanding lays the foundation for future major economic and strategic relations. The Prime Minister's visit needs to be evaluated from that perspective.
Malaysia's assurance to resume the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, which had been stalled for a long time, is a welcome relief. Not only new recruitment, but there has also been consensus between the two countries on regularizing irregular Bangladeshi workers, allowing stranded workers to join work, and reducing recruitment costs. The possibility of the Malaysian labor market becoming active again will undoubtedly create major economic opportunities.
The decision to start negotiations on a free trade agreement with Malaysia is equally important. Bangladesh is on the path of graduating from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). To survive in the competitive global market of the future, new markets and preferential trade facilities are needed. An FTA can be an effective way to achieve that goal.
Issues of cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, the halal industry, technology transfer, and higher education have also added a new dimension to the relations between the two countries. Malaysia's experience as one of the most successful economies in Southeast Asia can play an important role in Bangladesh's industrialization and technological development.
Significant China Visit
The relationship between Bangladesh and China is no longer limited to development cooperation; it is transforming into a long-term strategic partnership. This change will further strengthen investment, trade, infrastructure, and technological cooperation in the future.
Of particular importance is the decision to start a 'Two Plus Two' dialogue in the diplomatic and defense sectors. This will create an institutional framework for regular high-level strategic dialogue between the two countries. In international relations, such arrangements increase mutual trust and consolidate long-term cooperation.
China has promised to quickly complete the feasibility study for the Teesta River management and restoration project and to cooperate in implementing the project. Alongside this, the scope of technical cooperation in integrated water management, river dredging, flood control, and disaster management has also expanded. This initiative is directly related to the long-standing expectations of the people of northern Bangladesh.
China's interest in modernizing Chittagong and Mongla ports is also positive. Modern ports are crucial for an export-oriented economy. Increased port capacity will facilitate imports and exports, reduce transportation costs, and further increase the confidence of foreign investors. The Bangladesh-Myanmar-China connectivity could open new horizons for regional trade in the future.
The interest expressed by China in relocating industries to Bangladesh, establishing new economic zones, investing in the manufacturing sector, and creating employment carries a positive message for the country's economy. In the current global economic reality, attracting foreign investment will be one of the main ways to sustain growth.
The Rohingya crisis also received importance during the visit. Malaysia has assured an active role through ASEAN. China has also reiterated its commitment to continue cooperation in resolving this crisis. Maintaining international support is crucial for Bangladesh to resolve this long-term crisis. The positive stance of China and Malaysia in increasing engagement with BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and ASEAN will further expand Bangladesh's diplomatic space.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's participation in China's World Economic Forum and the opportunity to highlight Bangladesh's position on climate change have further brightened the country's image on the international stage. As a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh's experience is now gaining importance in global policymaking.
The full benefits of this visit will be realized only if the memorandums of understanding are transformed into projects, projects into investments, and investments into employment. Bangladesh is now at a time when it is necessary to simultaneously advance sustaining economic growth, creating new markets, attracting foreign investment, and expanding regional connectivity. The visits to Malaysia and China have indicated positive progress in all four of these areas.
The biggest success of this visit is that Bangladesh has stood in a new diplomatic arena. What is needed now is to turn these opportunities into real achievements through consistent initiatives, efficient implementation, and giving utmost importance to national interest. In diplomacy, every successful visit opens a new door for the future. This visit has opened just such a new door.
Author: Former General Secretary, Dhaka Union of Journalists
