In Discussion with International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh on Country's Trade Facilitation Scopes

Philippe Isler, the Executive Director of GATF, recently visited Bangladesh to assess ongoing work at Bhomra Land Port, where digitalisation efforts are underway. During his visit, Mr. Isler met with key representatives from ICC Bangladesh, Swisscontact Bangladesh, and prominent business leaders to discuss opportunities and strategies for enhancing trade facilitation in the country.

Swisscontact Bangladesh, represented by Country Director, Mujibul Cezanne Hasan, Head of Portfolio, Helal Hussain and Head of Programme, Fazle Razik, joined the discussion. Distinguished attendees from ICC Bangladesh included honourable Vice President A. K. Azad, Managing Director of Hameem Group, and members Md. Fazlul Hoque, Managing Director of Plummy Fashions and former BKMEA president, Kamran T. Rahman, President of Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), Syed Nasim Manzur, Managing Director of Apex, Ashraf Ahmed, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI), Simeen Rahman, Group CEO of Transcom Limited and Secretary General Ataur Rahman amongst others.

The meeting highlighted key challenges in the trade sector, addressing trade barriers and policy requirements for Bangladesh, especially focusing on its updates and achievements on committed various categories of World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreements (TFA) and roadmaps. Accordingly, the leaders discussed strategies and scopes for future collaboration to ensure consorted efforts in strengthening and further advancing Bangladesh’s position in global trade.