PAST EVENT – The Rise of the Bengal Tiger: Potential Trade and Investment Summit in Brussels and EU Countries

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) & Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Embassy of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union in Brussels organized the event “Potentials of Trade and Investment among Bangladesh and the EU Countries” with the support of the European Institute for Asian Studies. The Event took place on 3 November 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Hotel in Brussels. The event was followed by a networking lunch and B2B Sessions.

Date: Friday, 3 November 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Venue: Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher’s Hotel Brussels

The event was followed by a Networking Lunch and B2B Sessions

An interactive business event with distinguished guests and high-level company delegates from Bangladesh and their European counterparts. The event showcased investment potentials for European companies in Bangladesh as well as the potential mutual benefits of a strengthened growth partnership. Business opportunities were emphasized in focus sectors such as Readymade Garment, Medical Equipment, Agro-processing, Energy, Electronics, IT, Leather products and more. This unique occasion helped European companies from belgium, Luxembourg and other European Countries to engage with Bangladeshi government and top executives of Bangladeshi Organizations to explore further partnership opportunities. 

Bangladesh stands tall with a track record of unprecedented growth and prosperity. It is an economy on the rise that received Bloomberg’s top 20 ranking sustaining high-growth rate in Asia in 2020. As the fastest growing economy in South Asia, Bangladesh keeps pushing forward graduating from a Least Developed Country to a Middle-Income nation. With the rapid increase of per capita income and growing purchasing power capacity of people, Bangladesh has become an attractive market for trade and investments.

The event was part of an ongoing initiative of BSEC and BIDA to further enhance Bangladesh’s trade relations with the world and attract more foreign investment into the country in different areas including infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, agriculture, textile, aviation, aerospace, ICT and technology. 

You can download the list of participating companies and delegates from Bangladesh per sector here

More information on the roadshow can be found here

Read the article in EUtoday on the Event here

PROGRAMME

09:30-10:00   Guest arrival and Registration

10:00-10:10   Welcome Speech

• H. E. Mr. Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union, Brussels

10:10-10:15 Audio-visual on economic development of Bangladesh

10:15-10:20 Speech by Guest of Honor

• Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Director for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, Directorate-General for International Partnerships of the European Commission

10:20-10:35 Presentation on the Potentials of Trade and Investment in Bangladesh

• Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam, Chairman, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC)

10:35 – 10:45   Live/Video message from Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina, Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh

10:45 – 11:00   Coffee Break

11:00 – 11:45   Panel Discussion: Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh

11:45 – 11:50   Speech by the Guest of Honour 

• Mr. Edvardas Bumsteinas, CFA, Head of Asia and Pacific Division, Public Sector Operations, Global Partners Development, European Investment Bank (EIB)

11:50 – 11:55   Speech by

• Mr. Lokman Hossain Miah, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA)

11:55 – 12:05   Closing remarks 

• Dr. Arif Dowla, Managing Director, ACI Limited & Honorary Consul of Belgium in Bangladesh

12:15 – 13:30   Lunch & Networking

13:30 – 14:30   B2B Meetings

The trade relations between Bangladesh and the European Union have strengthened significantly over the years, with both parties benefiting from this partnership. Bangladesh’s continued commitment to diversifying its exports can further enhance its trade relations with the EU. As the EU emphasizes sustainability and responsible business practices, it provides an opportunity for Bangladesh to align its economic activities with these principles, fostering a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.

The EU has been a major development partner for Bangladesh. The recent visit of President Emmanuel Macron in Dhaka has boosted the business opportunities between France and Bangladesh. This cooperation will open the market for other investors from around Europe such as Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, and other countries as well.