Citibank discusses investment climate with CCCI and BCE

Citibank NA Bangladesh has hosted a webinar on the importance of improving the investment climate, in partnership with the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) & Bangladesh Center of Excellence (BCE).

The webinar, titled 'Enabling Investment Climate to Realize Great Potential', focused on the diversification of investment, the readiness of economic zones to facilitate such diversification of investments, and potential sectors for investment.

Paban Chowdhury, executive chairman of BEZA, joined the session as chief guest and panelist.

The session was chaired by CCCI President Mahbubul Alam and moderated by Citi Country Officer and Managing Director of Citibank NA Bangladesh N Rajashekaran (Shekar).

Pran-RFL Group Chairman & CEO Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, BSRM Group of Companies Managing Director Aameir Alihussain, and Bitopi Group Managing Director Miran Ali, were among the distinguished panelists at the virtual discussion.

Chief Guest Paban Chowdhury said, "The Special Economic Zones are changing the industrial landscape of Bangladesh and to raise the contribution of the SMEs to the GDP, we're making a separate SME zone in Bangabandhu Shilpanagar in Mirsarai."

Mahbubul Alam, President, CCCI praised the efforts of the government in developing economic zones across the country and emphasized especially on the importance of guiding the investors in choosing the appropriate sector for investment so that investment doesn't get concentrated in limited number of sectors. 

He said, "Investors need to be guided on finding the right sector for investment which should be a part of a comprehensive investment diversification strategy."

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Pran-RFL Group Chairman & CEO, called upon investors and businessman to cash in on the tremendous potential of business growth in Bangladesh backed by the facilitations of the government. 

He said, "Bangladesh will continue to grow to change the lives of millions. If you have the right spirit, passion and desire to grow, others will follow. If the country grows, businesses will automatically flourish."
 
Aameir Alihussain, BSRM Group Managing Director,  sighted capacity and skills development and access to finance for SMEs as the stimulating factor for the next level growth of Bangladesh. 

He said, "Bangladesh has a great potential in future for further foreign investment and grasping on that will bring positive results for the economy".

Bitopi Group Managing Director Miran Ali said, "Bangladesh holds the second position in terms of RMG production and can easily double the production in next few years through diversified investment specially focusing on manmade fibers instead of traditional cotton products and the country needs to brand itself globally to attract both FDI and export buyers. Bangladesh is the future destination for FDI and we need an international campaign to sell our potential". 

Moderator N Rajashekaran (Shekar), Citi Country Officer and Managing Director of Citibank NA Bangladesh, praised the uniqueness of the Bangladeshi market and the inclusive culture of the Bangladeshi people and discussed the potential of SMEs and diversified investment opportunities. 

He said, "Bangladesh is a nation which has tremendously grown even during the global pandemic, reflecting on the tremendous work ethic of the people and a growing consumer market with countless possibilities. We approach tomorrow with more energy and passion to further inspire investment in Bangladesh."