Dhaka: Standard Chartered Bangladesh and UK Export Finance (UKEF) have explored ways to accelerate the Bangladesh-UK trade corridor and support the country's export diversification agenda through trade finance and export credit. The two organisations held a high-level roundtable here, bringing together senior representatives from Standard Chartered Bangladesh, British High Commission Dhaka, UKEF, and leading companies from the pharmaceuticals, light engineering, agribusiness, seafood, and footwear industries, said a press release here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions focused on practical use cases for UKEF-backed financing in Bangladesh, structuring export credit facilities, and aligning project pipelines with development priorities, including infrastructure, sustainability, and industrial upgrading. Standard Chartered Bangladesh CEO Enamul Huque emphasized the bank's longstanding partnership in Bangladesh's growth for over 120 years. He highlighted the importance of deepening trade and investment ties with strategic partners like the United Kingdom as the country progresses towards its next phase of development.
"Through today's roundtable, we are reinforcing our commitment to connect Bangladesh with the world and the world with Bangladesh," Huque stated, expressing that collaboration with UKEF could facilitate the introduction of UK expertise, technology, and capital to clients in Bangladesh. The roundtable also allowed UKEF representatives to engage with government and business leaders to identify areas where UK companies, expertise, and finance could support innovation, growth, and development.
The collaboration between Standard Chartered and UKEF aims to foster export diversification and enable businesses to access UK goods and services, modernize operations, and enhance productivity in line with international standards. Standard Chartered, leveraging its longstanding presence and expertise in Bangladesh, aspires to be UKEF's leading partner in connecting Bangladeshi corporates, financial institutions, and public-sector entities with UK suppliers, technology, and capital.