Dhaka: The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has called upon British-Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to invest in key infrastructure sectors within the country, such as energy, technology, education, human resource development, blue economy, and tourism. This appeal was made during a view-exchange meeting between FBCCI and the UK Bangladesh Catalysts of Commerce and Industry (UKBCCI) at a hotel in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was chaired by FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman. A delegation from UKBCCI is currently visiting Bangladesh to investigate potential investment sectors and enhance trade relations. The delegation is led by UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed and marks the first visit of a UK business delegation to Bangladesh since the interim government took office.
During the meeting, the FBCCI Administrator emphasized the importance of expanding Bangladesh-UK bilateral trade. He noted that Bangladesh continues to support initiatives that foster a conducive trade and investment environment. Hafizur stressed that strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the UK would be mutually beneficial.
Hafizur also urged all UK-based entrepreneurs, including British-Bangladeshi business people, to invest in Bangladesh's promising sectors and capitalize on market opportunities. He suggested that both nations advance discussions on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to leverage regional and global supply chains.
Rupa Huq, a Bangladeshi-origin UK Parliament Member, expressed her willingness to collaborate closely with business leaders from both countries to boost bilateral trade. UKBCCI Chairman Iqbal Ahmed indicated that expatriate business people are keen to invest in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the need for financial sector discipline in the country to attract substantial investment.
The meeting was attended by former FBCCI directors, including Md. Abdul Haque, Prabir Kumar Saha, Shafqat Haider, Obaidur Rahman, and Giaruddin Chowdhury (Khokon). Also present were Nasrin Fatema Awal, President of the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) and former FBCCI director, FBCCI Secretary General Md. Alamgir, Head of International Affairs Wing of FBCCI Md. Zafar Iqbal, members of the UKBCCI business delegation, and other FBCCI business leaders.