Economy
DCCI Business Delegation Heads to Vietnam for Trade Talks
A 35-member delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), led by President Ashraf Ahmed, will depart for Vietnam tomorrow for a five-day visit. The aim is to explore new business avenues and enhance bilateral trade and economic relations between Vietnam and Bangladesh.
The delegation includes exporters, importers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs from sectors such as financial services, agro and food processing, tourism, healthcare, chemicals, ceramics, information technology, logistics, textiles, and other manufacturing industries.
According to a press release, Ashraf Ahmed is leading one of the largest private-sector business delegations to Vietnam in recent years, with a primary focus on strengthening bilateral business ties. The group aims to discover new opportunities in diversified exports, mutual trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
Bangladesh, strategically located between South Asia and Southeast Asia, holds significant potential for Vietnamese investors. Strengthening bilateral trade with Vietnam will open new markets for Bangladesh, particularly within the ASEAN community. Despite a positive trend, the bilateral trade between the two countries remains underutilized.
In 2022-23, the bilateral trade volume was $1.10 billion, with Bangladesh exporting $96.22 million worth of goods to Vietnam and importing $1.01 billion. There is substantial potential for trade growth as both nations aim to expand their economies.
Recently, Vietnam has shown a strong interest in enhancing commercial and trade relations with Bangladesh, promising a mutually beneficial scenario for both countries.
During this visit, the DCCI delegation will engage in high-level business meetings with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Chamber of Commerce France-Vietnam, and the Investment & Trade Promotion Centre. They will also organize the Vietnam-Bangladesh Business Forum, followed by B2B matchmaking sessions in Thai Binh Province and Ho Chi Minh City.
The delegation will also tour industrial parks and ports in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative aims to uncover untapped business opportunities, fostering shared economic prosperity for both nations.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 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.
