"We are preparing papers to present these proposals before the 3rd joint commission meeting," said a highly placed source in the shipping ministry.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamad bin Syed Jaafar Albar will arrive in Dhaka on June 6 to lead his country's team at the meeting while Bangladesh Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan will lead the host side.

According to foreign ministry sources, the meeting will focus on bilateral trade and investment issues, besides manpower exports.

Sources said shipping ministry officials have been given directions to prepare papers for seeking Malaysian investment in ship building industry and developing of port infrastructure in Mongla.

A shipping ministry official said Malaysia wants to invest in Chittagong Port. "But, we want their help in developing the Mongla Port, which remains under used for long due to poor infrastructure."

Dhaka will also seek Kuala Lumpur's help for creating job facilities for Bangladesh Marine Academy cadets who remain jobless.

At the meeting, Bangladesh will also discuss manpower export, visa complications, education and cultural co-operation, foreign ministry officials said.

The JCM between Bangladesh and Malaysia was set up in 1992 with a view to developing co-operation in different bilateral and economic areas.

The trade balance is heavily in favour of Malaysia, which exports goods worth more than US$ 300 million to Dhaka annually against Dhaka's insignificant US$ 16-17 million.

At present, Malaysian investment in Bangladesh is around US$ 100 million, mainly in telecommunications and power sectors.