‘Bubble tea diplomacy’ can strengthen Bangladesh-Malaysia ties

Bangladesh and Malaysia can deepen their longstanding bilateral ties through greater people-to-people exchanges, including food and beverage businesses, said Hazwan Hasnol, charge d’affaires of the Malaysian High Commission and head of chancery.

He made the remarks while inaugurating an outlet of Malaysian bubble tea brand Tealive Bangladesh in Banani, Dhaka yesterday.

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“Malaysia and Bangladesh have long enjoyed close, friendly bilateral relations. Our cooperation continues to expand across various sectors, including trade, investment, education, tourism, healthcare and cultural exchanges,” Hazwan said.

He described the entry and expansion of Tealive in Bangladesh as a new dimension of bilateral relations, calling it “bubble tea diplomacy”.

Hazwan Hasnol, charge d’affaires of the Malaysian High Commission, described the entry and expansion of Malaysian bubble tea brand Tealive in Bangladesh as a new dimension of bilateral relations.

“We often speak about diplomacy through official meetings, negotiations and agreements. But I believe that diplomacy can also happen in much simpler and more enjoyable ways -- over a cup of tea,” he said.

He said the entry and expansion of Malaysian brands in Bangladesh could create opportunities for greater commercial engagement between businesses of the two countries, particularly in the food service and consumer sectors.

Tealive offers a range of beverages in Bangladesh, including milk tea, fruit tea and matcha, and is targeting younger consumers.

The Banani outlet is part of the brand’s expansion in Bangladesh, with the food and beverage sector attracting both local and international brands.

Ashmita Irad Ali, managing director of A&I Food and Beverage, said the company has opened two Tealive outlets in Dhaka, in Gulshan-2 and Banani.

She said the idea came from her family’s love for bubble tea.

“We used to have bubble tea almost every day, and my husband said, ‘If you love it so much, you should have your own brand.’ That’s the story behind Tealive’s opening,” she said.

Tealive is halal-certified and uses biodegradable cups, she said. The brand offers both hot and cold beverages and aims to cater to consumers across generations.

She said the company will open another outlet in Chattogram on October 15.

Mohammad Irad Ali, group managing director of A&I Group; Ammar Hashmi, chief operating officer of Tealive Bangladesh; Khairul Anuar Bin Baharuddin, international operation manager of Tealive in Malaysia; and Md Anwar Shahid, president of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with guests from the high commissions of Singapore and Malaysia, also attended the event.