Dhaka, Bangladesh – A high-powered Zambian business delegation is set to converge on Dhaka next month for a landmark two-day forum aimed at turbocharging trade and investment between the Southern African nation and Bangladesh. The ‘Zambia-Bangladesh Business Forum, Dhaka 2025’, slated to kick off on Tuesday, May 14th, at the prestigious Banani Sheraton Hotel, promises to be a pivotal moment in the economic relationship between the two Commonwealth partners.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is tipped to officially open the summit, setting the stage for a series of discussions and networking opportunities designed to unlock the latent potential for collaboration. Organised through a joint effort by the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh (EPB), the Zambian Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), with support from diplomatic missions in both regions, the forum underscores a mutual desire to deepen economic ties.
Key sectors identified for potential synergy include the burgeoning apparel and leather industries, the robust pharmaceuticals sector in Bangladesh, the rapidly expanding ICT landscape, as well as opportunities in plastics and furniture manufacturing. Experts from these fields are expected to share their insights, painting a picture of the possibilities that lie ahead for businesses in both countries.
Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain, the EPB’s Director for Policy and Planning, emphasised the forum’s ambition to create a dynamic platform for government officials, business titans, investors, and ambitious entrepreneurs from both Zambia and Bangladesh. “Our two nations share a history of cordial diplomatic relations stretching back to 1971,” he noted. “As members of both the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth, this forum provides a natural progression to build upon our existing goodwill and explore exciting new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the realms of trade and investment.”
The agenda for the two-day event will shine a spotlight on crucial sectors for both economies, including agriculture and the vital Agri-logistics chain, the powerhouse manufacturing of garments and textiles, the growing importance of energy and renewable energy solutions, essential infrastructure development, the potential of fisheries and livestock, and the dynamism of small and medium enterprises.
Organisers are optimistic that the forum will yield tangible results, including a significant uptick in bilateral trade and investment, the identification of concrete areas for joint ventures and partnerships, and the potential signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Zambian and Bangladeshi enterprises. Ultimately, the goal is to foster stronger economic cooperation and a more robust relationship between the two nations.
Dr Mohd Zayed Alam, the Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh, hailed the upcoming Business Forum as a crucial step towards realising the shared aspirations of both countries. “Zambia and Bangladesh have long enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship, underpinned by similar values in trade, business, and even cultural understanding,” he stated. “This forum on May 14th will be instrumental in translating that goodwill into concrete bilateral trade and business opportunities.”
The Zambian delegation’s itinerary extends beyond the formal forum, with a planned visit to several key factories in Bangladesh on May 15th. This first hand exposure to Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities will provide invaluable insights and potentially pave the way for future collaborations.
Dr Zayed Alam also highlighted Bangladesh’s impressive economic ascent in South Asia, acknowledging its remarkable achievements in sectors like ready-made garments, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and agro-products. He noted, however, the increasing importance of elevating Bangladesh’s global profile and showcasing its unique strengths on the international stage – a goal that this business forum with Zambia will undoubtedly contribute towards.
