‘Forging a Shared Future’ exchange session held
‘Forging a Shared Future’ exchange session held at the Westin in the city. Photo: Standard Chartered
DHAKA, Feb 6, 2025 (BSS) – Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JBCCI), recently hosted an exchange session titled ‘Forging a Shared Future’ at the Westin in the city.
The event brought together key Japanese stakeholders to discuss evolving regulatory frameworks, bilateral trade progress, and investment opportunities in Bangladesh, said a press release.
The session addressed key developments, including Bangladesh Bank’s new guidelines on Joint Venture/Consortium/Association (JVCA), Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) strategic collaboration plans, progress on the bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the challenges faced by Japanese investors in Bangladesh.
Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “The deep-rooted, 53-year economic partnership between Japan and Bangladesh has been pivotal for our nation, with Japanese businesses and aid transforming key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and education. It has been our privilege to partner with the Japanese business community, working in tandem to advocate for policies that enhance the business environment, and creating platforms such as this to share their voice with policymakers and regulators, addressing challenges and unlocking new opportunities.”
Dr. Khandoker Azizul Islam, Executive member of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), highlighted government’s continued effort to facilitate more Japanese business and investment in Bangladesh through policy reforms & creating business conducive eco-system.
Tomohide Ichiguchi, Chief Representative, JICA, said, “JICA’s recent focus is on industrial diversification and private sector development which includes investment climate improvement, Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, human resource development of ICT and manufacturing sectors, MIDI (Moheshkhali development), Private Sector Investment Finance (PSIF), food safety, and customs improvement.”
Yuji Ando, Country Representative of JETRO, said, “The recent Bangladesh Bank and BIDA circular is a timely initiative to streamline the process of NVCA formation, operational procedure and regulatory reporting. Japanese community welcomes the new policy but needs more clarification and flexibility in some areas such as provision for interest free working capital loan, ease of executing outward remittances, applicability of this circular for the JVCAs formed before BIDA guideline etc.”
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President, JBCCI, said, “EPAs are comprehensive trade agreements designed to foster economic collaboration and deepen ties between participating nations. The event is more crucial for Bangladesh as it is poised for graduation from LDC.”
A key highlight of the event was an interactive Q&A session moderated by Faysal Islam, Head of Global Subsidiaries, Standard Chartered Bangladesh.
The session featured expert insights from Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development, BIDA; Md. Ariful Hoque, Director, BIDA; Afsana Rahman, Associate Director, Bangladesh Bank; and Nusrat Mehzabin, Joint Director, Bangladesh Bank. Attendees actively engaged with panelists to seek clarifications on JVCA regulations and raise other critical investment-related concerns. Abu Saleh Mohammad Shahab Uddin, Director, Foreign Exchange Investment Department, Bangladesh Bank, also contributed valuable perspectives.
Closing the session, Enamul Huque, Head of Corporate Coverage, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to the participants and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering Japanese investment and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
As a long-standing partner in Bangladesh’s economic journey, Standard Chartered remains committed to supporting foreign investment and collaboration, ensuring a conducive environment for Japanese businesses to thrive in Bangladesh.