Trade, investment summit begins October 26

The commerce ministry and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) will jointly host a week-long international virtual summit, styled "Bangladesh Trade & Investment Summit 2021" to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence.

"A total of 552 companies from 38 countries along with Bangladesh of 5 continents will participate in 450 business to business match-making sessions," said Rizwan Rahman, president of the DCCI president.

The event that will begin on October 26 will help to explore new business opportunities and attract foreign direct investment in Bangladesh, he said in a press conference at DCCI auditorium today.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said his ministry is relentlessly working to sign free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with potential countries to tackle the challenges that Bangladesh will face after its graduation to a developing nation.

"Bangladesh Trade and Investment Summit 2021 will be a great platform to connect the traders and investors around the world. Our export is mainly dependable on garments and it is high time for us to work on other potential sectors to expand our export market and diversify our products as well."

The DCCI president gave a multimedia presentation on the summit.

Rahman mentioned that the summit includes nine sectors underscoring critical enablers and avenues of the economy, demanding massive investments especially in infrastructure, IT and financial technology, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, automotive and light engineering, plastic products, agro and food processing, jute and textiles and fast-moving consumer goods and retail business.

"This virtual summit will showcase Bangladesh's preparedness during the Covid-19 pandemic to the investors and entrepreneurs," he added.         

"The export potential of our country will be highlighted through the summit, which will help to attract more investment and foreign trade," Tapan Kanti Ghosh, commerce secretary.

NKA Mobin, senior vice-president of DCCI, and Monowar Hossain, vice-president, were also present.