03/04/2012 (Bernama) - A Malaysian trade delegation to Bangladesh has secured sales worth half a million ringgit and RM22.4 million in potential sales.

Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), the mission, from March 8 to 22, was to enhance trade ties between the two countries. Led by Matrade's Deputy Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zakaria Kamarudin, the mission covered various sectors, ranging from food and beverages to chemicals and wood products.

The delegation comprised service providers in the education, healthcare and real estate sectors, Matrade said in a statement. Among products and services in high demand are food flavouring, household detergents, education and healthcare, it said.

"Trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh recorded an upward trend in the past decade, with an average 27.3 per cent annual growth.

Matrade said there was huge opportunities for Malaysian products and services in Bangladesh as the demand was on the uptrend. Major products exported to Bangladesh are refined petroleum products, palm oil, chemical products and electrical and electronics items.