A two-day “Commonwealth trade and investment forum” (CTIF) will be held at InterContinental Dhaka from September 13.
The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, which is the Commonwealth’s accredited business network, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Zi Foundation, a family-run foundation that offers support to vulnerable people, will jointly organise the event.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries, home to one-third of the world’s population. Bangladesh joined the Commonwealth as its 34th member in 1972.
The forum was previously organised in other member states of the Commonwealth such as in the UK, Singapore, Kenya, Rwanda and Malta.
The organisers say the aim is to promote innovation, trade, investment and economic growth, enhance partnerships and explore ways towards sustainable and inclusive economic development for Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the event at Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka and present a “Commonwealth Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Green Investment Award”.
The forum will give Bangladesh a “tremendous opportunity” to grow trade and investment, Salman F Rahman, the prime minister’s private industry and investment adviser, told a press conference at Bida yesterday. Bangladesh has been an active part of the Commonwealth since gaining independence, he said.
“During the forum, Bangladesh will be able to showcase its trade and investment opportunities in front of the Commonwealth countries. It will be positive for everyone,” said Rahman.
Highlighting the country’s various socio-economic achievements, the prime minister’s adviser said Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in the past 14 and a half years and a number of startups have sprung up in line with the “Smart Bangladesh” vision.
Responding to a question, Salman F Rahman said they have invited all Commonwealth countries to attend the upcoming forum and countries like Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Ghana have already confirmed their participation.
Meanwhile, top representatives of public and private sectors from Bangladesh and various Commonwealth member countries will participate in 12 sessions in total and the country’s 4th Industrial Revolution will get focus, he said.
Up until now, 250 foreign participants are scheduled to come to Bangladesh and this number will increase to 300, including 13 foreign ministers and members of parliament, Rahman noted.
“We hope for the forum to provide an excellent opportunity to expand business between Commonwealth countries. The economy of Bangladesh has changed in the past years,” said Md Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of Bida.
Because now a lot of manufactured goods are being exported from the country, which is aiding the economy, he said.
As the country’s premier investment promotion agency, Bida will take full advantage of the opportunity provided by this forum, he said.
