Economy
FBCCI Highlights Opportunities for Joint Ventures with Belarus in Various Sectors
Belarus has expressed keen interest in fostering collaboration with Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of food processing, agricultural machinery, and human resource development. Evgeny Shestakov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus, conveyed this during a meeting with Md Amin Helali, Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) on Sunday afternoon.
The discussions also revolved around boosting bilateral trade between the two nations, delving into matters of investment, skills and technology exchange, and mutual cooperation across various sectors.
Highlighting the potential for joint initiatives, Helali emphasized the benefits for both countries in agricultural production and food processing. He noted the land scarcity in Bangladesh and suggested that Belarus, with its abundant land relative to its population size, could contribute significantly.
Helali extended an invitation for investments from Belarus in areas such as agro product processing, medicine, ceramics, paper pulp production, tourism, and skills development for the youth. Additionally, he urged Belarus to consider importing manpower and agro products from Bangladesh.
FBCCI sought assistance from Evgeny Shestakov in simplifying the visa issuance process for Bangladeshi businessmen and entrepreneurs interested in engaging with Belarus.
In response, Evgeny underscored the importance of strengthening commercial contacts and coordination between businesses in Bangladesh and Belarus. He expressed intentions to import agricultural products like fruits and jute from Bangladesh, pledging support for enhancing the skills of the Bangladeshi youth, particularly in the field of medical personnel.
The meeting, attended by FBCCI directors, business leaders, and government officials, marked a significant exploration of opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth between Belarus and Bangladesh.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
