Dhaka: A two-day ‘Zambia-Bangladesh Business Forum, Dhaka 2025’ will commence on May 14 at Banani Sheraton Hotel in the city, aiming to enhance trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Zambia and Bangladesh. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is anticipated to inaugurate the forum as the chief guest, with a high-level business delegation from Zambia participating.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event is being organized by the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), in collaboration with the Consulate of Zambia in Bangladesh, the High Commission of Zambia in New Delhi, India, and the High Commission of Bangladesh in Zambia (Non-Resident). Experts from various sectors, including apparel, leather, pharmaceuticals, ICT, plastic, and furniture, will deliver speeches at the forum.
EPB Director (Policy and Planning)-Current Charge Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain stated that the forum aims to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. He highlighted that Zambia and Bangladesh have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since 1971, both being members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth. The forum intends to build on existing bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
The forum will focus on key sectors such as agriculture and agri-logistics, manufacturing garments and textiles, energy and renewable energy, infrastructure development, fisheries and livestock, and small and medium enterprises. It is expected to increase trade and investment between the two countries, identify potential areas of cooperation, sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements between Zambian and Bangladeshi business entities, and enhance economic cooperation and relations.
Dr. Mohd Zayed Alam, Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh, expressed that the forum on May 14 will foster bilateral trade and business opportunities, emphasizing the friendly relations and shared trade, business, and cultural values between Zambia and Bangladesh. On May 15, the Zambian team plans to visit several factories in Bangladesh.
Zayed Alam remarked on Bangladesh’s emergence as a rising economic power in South Asia, with significant achievements in sectors such as ready-made garments, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and agro-products. He noted the growing need to enhance Bangladesh’s global image and promote its unique strengths in international markets.