The Malaysian envoy was speaking at the monthly luncheon meeting of Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

He also expressed his doubt over the quick decision on the investment projects as the country is preparing for the next parliamentary elections.

"This is the election year of Bangladesh. So, I don't know what will happen to our investment proposals," he said, adding that "Of course, we have opportunities to invest in other countries like China, Vietnam, Pakistan and India."

The envoy, however, said, "We do hope that the government will consider the Malaysian investment proposals quickly so that the investors may go ahead with their projects."

"Malaysia is ready to invest more in Bangladesh," he made an assurance.

Meanwhile, in the first six months of this year Malaysia's proposed investment stood at $1.530 billion. The proposed Malaysian projects awaiting government's nod are 210km Dhaka-Chittagong highway worth $900million, Aktel customer service improving project worth $250 million and two power generation projects worth $410million.

Masih Ul Karim, the president of FICCI, presided over the meeting while Peter May, the chamber's vice president, and M A Matin, secretary, among other foreign investors in Bangladesh were present.

Terming the proposed Malaysian projects people-oriented project, the high commissioner said it would benefit the people of Bangladesh and its economic development.

He said Malaysia, the fifth largest investor in Bangladesh, has invested $6billion here since 1999.

"It is my mission to set Bangladesh as hub for Malaysian SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to reach global. Bangladesh is on the radar screen of Malaysian traders and investors".

Urging the chamber leaders to promote Bangladesh in Malaysia, he said, "Trade and investment cannot be a one-way traffic".

In this regard, he also advised the Bangladeshi businessmen to take advantages of various duty free access or low duty, which are either being considered or already in place for Bangladeshi products to gain access to Malaysian markets.

About the manpower issue, the envoy said his country has continued import of Bangladeshi workers until May this year. Up to May, the Malaysian high commission in Dhaka has processed a total of 15,000 Bangladeshi workers to work in Malaysia. Since then, Malaysia stopped importing Bangladeshi workers.

Describing Bangladeshi workers as loyal, hardworking and polite, he said, "Malaysia may resume recruitment of these workers".

The envoy observed that both the countries need to address the issues, including manpower, that have been identified in the recent meeting between Bangladesh and Malaysian governments.

The FICCI president urged the Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest more in Bangladesh. He also stressed reducing trade gap between the two countries.