Corporate
Grameenphone Advocates Corporate Power Purchase Agreements for Climate Goals
In a strategic move to bridge policy gaps and champion Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) policies, Grameenphone orchestrated a pivotal panel discussion titled “Greening the Grid” at its corporate headquarters in Dhaka. The discourse aimed at propelling policy reforms vital for supporting Grameenphone’s ambitious target of slashing CO2 emissions by 50% before 2030, benchmarked against the year 2019.
During the discussion, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen reaffirmed Grameenphone’s dedication to carbon emission reduction. He underscored the pivotal role of CPPAs in realizing this commitment, addressing the challenges faced by private sector entities while emphasizing the advantageous outcomes of supportive policies. Henrichsen highlighted how embracing Corporate Power Purchase Agreements not only aligns with sustainability goals but also attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and aids in meeting governmental renewable energy targets, in addition to bolstering Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives aligned with the Paris Agreement.
Erik Solheim, Former Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway, brought international insights to the discussion, drawing from Norway’s successful grid greening experience. He explored best practices applicable to Bangladesh’s transition toward renewable energy sources.
Ambassador Espen Rikter-Svendsen highlighted the significance of international partnerships in fortifying Bangladesh’s green grid efforts, expressing Norway’s readiness to support this transition. ED Elrahal, Chief of Party at Tetra Tech, emphasized the role of development partners like USAID and Tetra Tech in providing capacity building and technical assistance to Bangladesh for CPPA implementation.
Engr. Mohammad Hossain, Director General of Power Cell Bangladesh, delved into the technical aspects of integrating renewable energy into the national grid, shedding light on challenges and opportunities. Nahim Razzaq MP, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, concluded the discussion by emphasizing the existing legislative framework and advocating essential policy changes for streamlined CPPA adoption, showcasing the active involvement of parliamentary committees in propelling policy reform in this domain.
Corporate
Cixing Hosts ‘Bangladesh Night’ to Boost Knitwear Innovation and Collaboration
Ningbo Cixing Co., Ltd. (“Cixing”), a global leader in knitting machinery and technology, successfully hosted the ‘Cixing Bangladesh Night Products Promotion Meeting’ at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on Tuesday.
The event brought together key industry stakeholders, including the owners and executives of over 300 influential sweater production companies in Bangladesh. BGMEA Fashion Technology University (BUFT), a well-known fashion school in Bangladesh, also participated in jointly exploring cooperation with high-end talent in the knitting industry.
In a significant move towards developing future talent, Cixing also signed a series of cooperation agreements with famous local companies, including BSKL and Cixing, Knit Asia and Cixing, Bettex and Cixing, NEXUS and Cixing, TWELVETEX and Cixing, and SWEATERTECH and Cixing, which marks a new chapter in the cooperative relationship.
A captivating grand fashion show to release the latest work of the Cixing sweater design team, showcasing Cixing’s products, technology, and unique industrial advantages, underlining its potential to revolutionize the local industry and establish more profound and long-term partnerships with new and old customers.
Frank Sun, Chairman of Ningbo Cixing Group, delivered a speech, saying that as the world’s leading provider of intelligent knitting equipment and digital knitting factory solutions, Cixing Group has been committed to promoting innovation and development in the knitting industry.
“We attach great importance to research and development work, with an average annual R&D investment of over 12 million US dollars in recent years to ensure the company’s sustainable development. Our technology, products, and services have spread all over the world. In 2023, nearly 30,000 units have been sold. Sales in 2024 are expected to be 40,000 units. Up to now, the global market share of Cixing products has risen to almost 30% with about 300,000 units in operation worldwide,” Sun said.
“The chairman stressed that Bangladesh, as a major manufacturing hub for the global clothing industry, has always been our focus of attention,” said Sun, adding that “We believe that through our joint efforts, we can bring revolutionary changes to Bangladesh’s textile industry, enhance industrial competitiveness, create more job opportunities, and contribute to Bangladesh’s economic development.”
Cixing’s efforts underscore a shared vision for innovation and excellence in knitwear production, marking a new chapter of cooperation and development for Bangladesh’s textile industry.
Corporate
JBCCI elects new Board for 2024-2026
DHAKA, Nov 07, 2024 (BSS) – Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) has elected a 16-member Board of Directors for the term 2024-2026 with Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) as its President.
The election was held on October 27 and November 6, said a press release today.
Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun) has been elected as the President of JBCCI. He is the Managing Director of New Vision Solutions Limited. He has been the Secretary General of JBCCI for three consecutive terms.
Maria Howlader FCA has been elected as the first female Secretary General of JBCCI. She has also been re-elected as a Board Member for two consecutive terms.
Kenji Kimura has been elected as the Treasurer of JBCCI. He is the Chief Representative of MUFG Bank Dhaka Office, which is the largest Bank in Japan and a member of Mitsubishi Group.
Out of a group of 313 members, including 71 Japanese member companies, the voting process saw a notable turnout of 61.98 percent.
Corporate
Afsana Zarin honored with Woman of Inspiration Award 2024
Afsana Zarin has consistently demonstrated her strategic vision and dedication, developing and empowering women entrepreneurs through technology, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Recently, she was recognized for her efforts at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Bangladesh Award in the Women in Innovation with Inclusion category. The award ceremony took place at Hotel Le Meridien in Dhaka on Friday, October 25, 2024.
The prestigious event was graced by notable guests, including Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Head of Anti-Corruption Reform Commission and Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh, who attended as the Chief Guest. Md Mukhlesur Rahman Sarker, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women & Children Affairs, attended as the Special Guest, and Rasheda K Chowdhury, Executive Director (CEO) of CAMPE, delivered the keynote speech.
“I am humbled and thrilled to be recognized as a woman of inspiration. Being able to work for women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh is a privilege. Thanks to ShopUp for allowing me to work with thousands of entrepreneurs across Bangladesh. This award inspired me even more towards this north star, and I plan to drive more inclusion through technology in Bangladesh in the coming years,” Afsana said.
Afsana extended her gratitude to the board members of JCI Bangladesh, Imran Kadir, the 2024 National President of JCI Bangladesh, Fahim Ahmed, the event director and the event organizers for selecting her for this honor.
JCI Bangladesh is a nonprofit global organisation that empowers and encourages the youth of the nation to take an active part in helping fellow entrepreneurs and professionals of their own communities to thrive and be successful.
The ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of women leaders in various fields, highlighted Afsana’s contributions to driving women’s economic empowerment through innovative programs and technology.
Her work has set an example for aspiring entrepreneurs, and her commitment to fostering inclusion through technology and creating opportunities for women continues to inspire many in Bangladesh.