Bangladesh has continuously shown its potential as a business destination of the future, especially for Sweden, said Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alex Berg von Linde.
“We congratulate Bangladesh for graduating from the LDC category. Over 50 Swedish companies see scope for even stronger commercial ties and to explore opportunities with Bangladesh in many areas like sustainability and innovation,” she also said.
The envoy was speaking at the launching ceremony of “Bangladesh-Sweden Business Guide 2022-2023 in a hotel at the capital on Wednesday.
She also said that one of Sweden’s top priorities is promoting sustainable business adding that sustainability involves the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, environmental and social pillars.
Regarding scope of investment, Linde said that with the increased interest in the Bangladeshi market and more Swedish enterprises motivated to partner with Bangladesh.
“We see many potential entry points for introducing more sustainable technologies into the wider Bangladeshi industry. We also want to highlight renewable energy and energy efficiency, waste and water management - as well as low-emission and climate-smart green technologies in for instance the RMG- sector as areas for cooperation,” she added.
She also said that Swedish companies are well-placed to supply many advanced skills, goods and services that Bangladesh will need to continue on its path of sustainable development and economic growth.
Asked about getting duty-free access after LDC graduation, she said that as they are a member of the European Union, they will follow the policy of the organization.
She also said that they will continue to explore and collaborate with the relevant authorities – including BIDA as a very important partner - to attract potential new investors.
The year 2022 marks a very special year for Sweden and Bangladesh, as they celebrate 50 years of long and strong friendship, she added.
Sweden is glad to have contributed to the impressive development journey of Bangladesh, not least from part of the Swedish business community, many of whom have been present here for decades, she also said.
“For us, celebrating 50 years of relations is an opportunity to reflect of course, both on what has been – but most importantly: what is to come,” she added.
Sirazul Islam, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, spoke at the event as guest of honour.
Krister Nilsson, Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs, gave the welcome speech virtually.
Nazmul Islam, ambassador of Bangladesh to Sweden, Ajay Sachdeva, director of India and South Asia at Business Sweden, Tahrin Aman, president of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI), Nathalie Tranefeldt, president of the Sweden Bangladesh Business Council (SBBC), and stakeholders commented on the future of Sweden-Bangladesh business relations.
The “Sweden-Bangladesh Business Guide 2022-2023” is a part of Sweden’s year-long program to celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
It aims at supporting both Swedish and Bangladeshi companies to further strengthen bilateral business and trade relations.
The guide provides information about the overarching support systems and relevant entry points to doing business in Bangladesh, as well as the latest business-profiles and product-lines of Swedish companies operating in the country.
For incoming new Swedish companies, the business guide introduces Bangladesh as a new investment destination and potential demand-driven market for cutting-edge Swedish products and services.
The previous edition of the guide was published in 2015.