The discussions were inaugurated by Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce. Malaysia’s 31-member delegation was led by the country’s chief negotiator, Dr. Rashidi Said, while Bangladesh was led by Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator of the Ministry of Commerce Khadija Nazneen. At the inaugural session, the two countries signed the ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) to determine the outline and scope of the talks.

The Commerce Secretary said that during Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to Malaysia last June, an initial decision on the agreement was made with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Once the agreement is completed, it will create opportunities for joint investment in the halal industry, semiconductors, digital trade, logistics, and special economic zones, in addition to tackling the challenges of graduating from least developed country (LDC) status.

Malaysia’s chief negotiator Dr. Rashidi Said said the proposed FTA is not merely an agreement to reduce tariffs, but a strategic initiative to establish a balanced economic partnership. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries was about 2.84 billion dollars. This first round of talks will continue until October 29.