The Harvard Business School's Creating Emerging Market Project (CEMP) has selected International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICCB) President Mahbubur Rahman as part of its 150 interviewees for a case studies publication, making him the first Bangladeshi to make the list.
The upcoming Baker's Library Historical Collections publication of the prestigious business school will feature 150 high impact leaders in the areas of business and social enterprises from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, for business students of Harvard Business School, said a press release.
Mahbubur Rahman, also chairman and CEO of Eastern Trading Company (now ETBL Holdings), was studied from his startup days of 1962 till date.
The interviews address pivotal moments of transition throughout these regions with particular emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, family business and globalisation of firms and brands, the release also said.
The CEMP is viewed as a unique teaching and research resource in business leadership.
Some of the interviewees include India-based global firms such as Bajaj, Cipla, Tata, Godrej, Oberoi and Tata; regional multinationals such as Dubai-based logistics group Aramax and luxury retailer Chalhoub Group, and the Saudi-based Jarir; multilatinas such as Bunge and Cencosud; and African firms including Nando's and the former Celtel (now part of Bharti Airtel).
Rahman, during his interview, reflected on his family background, childhood in Comilla and how he started Eastern Trading Company back in 1962 in Chittagong.
He said his company primarily focused on importing consumer goods and representing foreign companies who were selling their products in East Pakistan.
He dwelt on the early years of his business, which he started in a small cottage built by his father and worked by himself with no employees until 1966.
By the late 1960s, ETBL Holdings had become the sole distributor of coconut oil for Sri Lanka and East Pakistan and in 1968, for Morinaga infant formula.
Rahman, also chairperson of the board of directors of the Financial Express, the country's first English financial daily, also explained his entry into newspaper publication.
He gave details of the FE's startup process, how he was able to raise capital, how the company gained an edge over other newspapers and how it became the second leading English language daily newspaper and even became profitable.
Turning to his engagement with the International Chamber of Commerce, Rahman described how the ICC Bangladesh differs from other chambers of commerce globally.
He presented a few examples of banking and financial sector reform that he has done with the organization, including encouraging an opening to private sector activity.