The President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI) Md. Saiful Islam requested Swedish Ambassador in Dhaka for Sweden’s support in Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation.
MCCI leader made call in a view exchange meeting as the Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde visited the Gulshan office of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka on Wednesday.
The Ambassador was received by its President,
Md. Saiful Islam greeted the Ambassador on his arrival at the MCCI office while some other members of MCCI including Senior Vice President Kamran T. Rahman, Vice President Habibullah N. Karim, Board of Directors Anis A. Khan, Syed Tareque Md. Ali, and the Secretary-General and CEO Farooq Ahmed were among others.
While addressing, the Ambassador mentioned that the year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Sweden relationship. Sweden had recognized Bangladesh as a sovereign nation in February 1972. She recalled the excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The MCCI team highlighted Bangladesh’s success over the years in its socio-economic development. The President recounted the country’s excitement for qualifying to graduate to the developing country club in 2026.
However, he was also worried about the challenges associated with a sustainable graduation. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Bangladesh has been able to withstand the difficulties boldly due to prudent fiscal and other policy support rendered by the government during the last two years. The President therefore requested for Sweden’s support in Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation.
The Ambassador lauded the visible improvement in women empowerment in Bangladesh. She specifically mentioned the female participation in the active labour market, particularly in the readymade garment sector. Sweden saw great potential in Bangladesh’s market. This was reflected in the successful operations of Swedish firms in Bangladesh, including that of the clothing giant H&M.
The Ambassador also expressed that Sweden was ready to facilitate the environmental goals of the Swedish companies operating in Bangladesh. The Ambassador also praised Bangladeshi companies going green and expressed her desire to see Swedish green companies coming to Bangladesh.
The MCCI President handed over a few recent publications of MCCI.
These included a copy of Bangladesh Business Climate Index, a very recent publication that helps in assessing the country’s current business situation and also promotes its ‘ease of doing businesses’.
Finally, both sides unanimously agreed to have more frequent interactions and exchange of views.
