Rajshahi: Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, visited PRAN-RFL Group's factories in Rajshahi and Natore today. During her visit, the High Commissioner toured the Rajshahi Products Limited factory in Shyampur, Rajshahi, and PRAN Agro Limited in Natore, as mentioned in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Uzma Chowdhury, Director of Corporate Finance at PRAN-RFL Group, welcomed the British High Commissioner at the factories. Chowdhury provided a comprehensive briefing on the group's manufacturing operations, products, domestic market activities, and its export business in international markets. At the Rajshahi Jute Mill, the High Commissioner observed the production facilities and processes involved in manufacturing footwear, tents, and umbrellas.
Later, at PRAN Agro Limited in Natore, Cooke visited the production facilities for noodles, sauces, spices, and other food products. She also participated in a tree planting ceremony on the factory premises. Throughout her visits, Sarah Cooke expressed her appreciation for PRAN-RFL Group's modern manufacturing facilities and production systems, as well as the diverse range of products they offer. She also explored the potential for expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
Sarah Cooke stated, "The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a strong and growing trade and investment relationship. It is encouraging to see companies such as PRAN RFL successfully expanding into international markets, including the UK. Bangladesh has clear strengths in manufacturing and agro-processing, with considerable scope to grow exports beyond traditional sectors." She highlighted the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers generous trade preferences and simplified Rules of Origin to assist more Bangladeshi businesses in accessing the UK market, even after LDC graduation. The UK remains committed to fostering closer trade and investment links, aiding businesses in both countries to identify new opportunities and establish long-term commercial partnerships for mutual prosperity.
Uzma Chowdhury further commented, "Our food products have established a strong presence in the UK market. We are also exporting a wide range of products, including footwear, containers, and bicycles, to the UK. At the same time, UK-based companies have investments in Bangladesh. We believe that by strengthening our bilateral relationship, we can explore new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries."
The British High Commission delegation, which included Shahrukh Shakir, Trade Policy Manager, Syed Habibur Rahman, Trade and Investment Manager, and other officials from the British High Commission in Dhaka, accompanied the High Commissioner during the visits.