Corporate
Emerging Economies Offer Great Opportunities, Say Experts
JCI North organized a seminar titled “Development Opportunities in Emerging Economies and Roadmap for Scholarship and Funding” on 25 May 2024 at the EMK Center, Gulshan, Dhaka. The event featured Dr. Laura E. Kodres, former IMF Assistant Director and Associate at the Global Center for Finance and Policy, as the main presenter.
The seminar also included insights from several distinguished discussants: Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, former dean of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) at North South University (NSU); Ifty Islam, Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners; M. Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar, FCA, FCMA, Managing Director of Chittagong Stock Exchange PLC (CSE); M.S. Siddiqui, Chief Executive Officer of Bangla Chemicals and Legal Economist; and Md. Nazmul Hasan, Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka. Md. Minhaz Bin Salim, a member of the Board of Directors of JCI Dhaka North, moderated the event.
Dr. Kodres highlighted the crucial role of central banks in maintaining investor trust through prudent monetary policies. She emphasized that central banks ensure financial stability by overseeing commercial banks, safeguarding depositors’ funds, and facilitating productive lending. In a globalized world, the central bank’s mandate extends to maintaining the value of money, thus fostering financial stability when depositors receive their funds back with interest. She also touched on topics such as inflation, infrastructure, stock markets, and the private sector, noting the high potential in emerging economies if opportunities are understood and utilized effectively.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, stating, “The country has yet to create an atmosphere where entrepreneurs can easily start their businesses. Ease of doing business is crucial for Bangladesh to support entrepreneurs.”
Ifty Islam discussed the potential of financial technology to attract more investors with diverse products at low costs, leading to significant returns. He envisioned a future where digital wallets could transform ordinary citizens into active investors in the stock market, thus increasing the number of trading accounts.
M. Shaifur Rahman Mazumdar emphasized the need for comprehensive policy support in the capital market. He pointed out that policymakers need to address tax GDP issues and provide targeted policies for sectoral development, specifically in the capital market, to ensure robust regulatory structures.
M.S. Siddiqui addressed market manipulation issues, noting that many companies fail to pay dividends, which manipulators exploit. He highlighted the need for regulatory vigilance to prevent sudden, unjustified increases in share prices. He also critiqued the regressive policies affecting the SME sector despite its potential.
The seminar also featured a panel discussion moderated by Md. Minhaz Bin Salim, who presented a brief on the “Roadmap of Scholarship and Funding” to the guests. Experts underscored the impact of technology on Bangladesh’s financial sector, noting that proper technology use could enhance customer trust and increase investments.
The event attracted participants from reputed universities and organizations, with over 100 attendees joining via Zoom and in person. The seminar aimed to impart expert knowledge to newcomers, shaping the next generation of economic experts. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from JCI National President Imran Kadir.
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.
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.
Correspondent To witness the deep and diverse historical culture and the latest achievements of high-quality development, the seven-day “International Insights into China” event was held with the theme of “Towards Openness and Integration of the New Era”. The event was held in various cities in China’s autonomous region of Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi Province between October 13 and 19. Media reporters and international students from different countries, including Bangladesh, participated in it.
This event is guided by the Cyberspace Administration of China’s Network Communication Bureau and jointly co-hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the Cyberspace Administration of Shanxi Province, and China Daily Newspaper.
During the event, the delegation members visited the Inner Mongolia Museum, Yili Modern Smart Health Valley, Mengcao Seed Industry Center, Grassland Cloud Valley, Huawei Cloud Service Data Center, Qisumu Railway International Logistics Park, Huayan Temple, Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. They have immersed themselves in the profound and diverse historical and cultural charm of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, and witnessed the latest achievements of high-quality development. During the activities, the delegation members used their unique “outside eyes” perspective, lenses, and pens to show the world the beautiful picture of cultural inheritance and innovative development in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi and tell the extraordinary story of the local practice of Chinese-style modernization.
The journey began on 13 Oct, and on Oct 14, they explored the Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot, where the city’s grassland culture and historical heritage. From Oct 15 to 16, the delegation visited Inner Mongolia’s Ulaanqab City, also known as the “Prairie Technology Valley”, where the Huawei Cloud Data Center, a core area of Inner Mongolia’s big data industry, left a lasting impression on the delegation. The second half of their journey was devoted to Shanxi province. From Oct 16 to 19, they visited iconic tourist sites, such as the Huayan Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, Hanging Temple, Yungang Grottoes in Datong City, and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in Shuozhou City.
Bayasgalan Lkhagvadulam from Mongolia, after climbing the Hanging Temple, said it is marvelling. It’s hard to imagine how people built this temple on the cliff 1,500 years ago. It’s awe-inspiring. If you are interested in ancient architecture, I highly recommend visiting Shanxi to see it yourself.
A group of 20 foreign media journalists, experts, and international students from different countries and regions, including Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, participated in this event.
