Tourism, trade key takeaways from Prime Minister's Malaysia-China Tour

Dhaka : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visits to Malaysia and China have yielded several diplomatic and economic outcomes, with tourism emerging as one of the key sectors expected to benefit alongside trade, investment, and infrastructure cooperation.

During his visit to Malaysia, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, cultural ex-change, and people-to-people connectivity. The discussions are expected to encourage greater two-way tourism, closer collaboration between tourism stakeholders and improved travel links. Malaysia remains a popular destination for Bangladeshi travelers, while Bangladesh is looking to attract more international visitors by expanding regional partnerships.

The China visit also holds promise for Bangladesh's tourism and aviation sectors. Enhanced connectivity, stron-ger business ties, and could create new opportunities for airlines, hotels, tour operators, and related businesses as travel between the two countries grows.

PM Tarique Rahman and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during an event in Beijing

Bangladesh and China signed 17 MoUs and cooperation documents covering sectors such as investment, healthcare, education, technology, media, and water resources. Infrastructure was another major focus of the discussions. China reaffirmed its support for cooperation on river management, flood control and the long-discussed Teesta River project, while both sides also explored opportunities in logistics, transport and industrial development.

Investment promotion featured prominently during the China leg of the tour. While attending the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos meeting in Dalian, the Prime Minister met business leaders and promoted Bangladesh as a competitive destination for foreign investment, highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, energy and infrastructure.

In Malaysia, labor migration also remained high on the agenda.