The president of the France-Bangladesh Economic Chamber, Kazi Enayet Ullah said: “Although many products other than readymade garments are exported to Europe, the consumers are mainly expatriate Bangladeshis. Those products are not yet well known in the mainstream market. To improve this situation, the European-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce will be formed.”
He disclosed the information in a discussion meeting with FBCCI President Md Jasim Uddin on Saturday, held at FBCCI Icon, read e press release.
Kazi Enayet Ullah said: “The initiative is planned to be implemented by next July. With the establishment of the Europe-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, it will be possible to ensure the visible presence of Bangladeshi products in the main European economy. Through the chamber, different activities will be undertaken to enhance bilateral trade and attract European investment.”
Bangladesh has left many previously independent countries behind in the socio-economic index but this information is not being presented properly abroad and due to this Bangladesh is lagging in branding.
Following the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina to France, a stimulus has been created among the expatriate Bangladeshi businessmen in that country.
The France-Bangladesh Economic Chamber wants to use this interest to promote Bangladesh in France, he added.
Kazi Enayet Ullah called on the Bangladesh government to create a skilled workforce, saying the European labour market has changed dramatically since the Corona epidemic and will need a huge amount of overseas manpower.
Earlier, in his welcome address, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said that many Bangladeshis have established themselves abroad as businessmen.
He urged them to create a special economic zone in Bangladesh.
The FBCCI chief said: “The income of the people of Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Due to a large number of people, the domestic market of this country is also huge. Therefore, by investing in this country, expatriates can play a greater role in the economic development of Bangladesh.”
PWC is conducting a study on the London market under the initiative of the FBCCI, adding that the results of the study will be known in the next few months. Based on the research outcome, FBCCI will take the necessary measures to popularize Bangladeshi products in foreign markets. Similar research initiatives will be undertaken in other countries in the future, he added.
At the same time, Md Jashim Uddin called upon the France-Bangladesh Economic Chamber to brand Bangladesh in France.
FBCCI Vice President MA Momen said that various steps were being taken to increase engagement with various trade organizations abroad. Following this, in November last year, the FBCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with MEDEF International (Mouvement des Entreprises de France International) and the France-Bangladesh Economic Chamber in Paris. As a result of these activities, B2B has become stronger which will help in bringing foreign investment to the country.
FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly said: “There are almost all industries in Bangladesh. But since many are unofficial, there is a lack of accurate data. Md Amin Helaly suggested identifying potential sectors to strengthen trade relations between France and Bangladesh.”
The President of the All-European Awami League, M Nazrul Islam, executive director of the France-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rubaba Navera Sayeed, vice president of the France-Bangladesh economic chamber, Fakhrul Akon Selim, and FBCCI Advisor Manzur Ahmed also spoke at the meeting.
Among others, FBCCI President Md Habib Ullah Dawn; Director, Priti Chakraborty, and Dr Ferdousi Begum were also present at the meeting moderated by FBCCI secretary-general Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque.
