Swiss chamber launches magazine ‘Helvetic’

The Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SBCCI) recently held its 14th annual general meeting (AGM) at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel, where it also launched its magazine “Helvetic”.

Reto Renggli, ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, inaugurated the magazine as the chief guest, according to a press release.

The chamber also organised a pre-national budget 2026-27 discussion session led by Debabrata Roy Chowdhury, director and head of the legal and finance standing committee.

Hasan Mohin, a chartered accountant, presented the keynote, highlighting growing trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Following the discussion, participants urged the government to adopt a revenue growth-led tax policy instead of relying on tax rate increases.

Abdur Rashid, president of SBCCI, presided over the event and reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations through collaboration and innovation.

Saad Omar Fahim, secretary general of SBCCI, said Helvetic would serve as a bridge for intellectual, commercial and cultural exchange. Mohammad Abul Hasnat, director and editor of the magazine, said it aims to document success stories, investment opportunities and heritage while fostering dialogue among businesses and policymakers.

Members welcomed the initiative, describing Helvetic as a meaningful step towards stronger communication and global engagement.

Saiful Islam, senior vice president, delivering the concluding remarks, hailed the occasion as a historic milestone.

Among others, Tarun Patwary, vice-president of SBCCI; Vidiya Amrit Khan, Hedayet Ullah, Sontosh Chandra Nath, Harun-Ur-Rashid and Milos Mladenovic, directors; Deepal Abeywickrema, chairman and managing director of Nestlé Bangladesh PLC; Khaled Chowdhury, representative of the Embassy of Switzerland; Saiful Islam, senior vice-president; and Mohammad Mohi Uddin Bhuiyan, coordinator (corporate affairs and administration), were also present.