KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held meetings with the chief executives of five leading Malaysian companies as part of Bangladesh's efforts to attract greater foreign investment and boost trade and employment.

Speaking at a press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said the meetings focused on encouraging Malaysian businesses to invest in Bangladesh's growing economy.

"Our objective is to bring investment from Malaysia to Bangladesh," he said.

Mahdi Amin noted that Bangladesh is moving towards greater economic liberalisation and deregulation, while advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia.

"We are creating a mo...