British High Commissioner visits PRAN-RFL factories in Rajshahi, Natore

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke visited PRAN-RFL Group's manufacturing facilities in Rajshahi and Natore today (16 September, 2026).

During her visit, the high commissioner toured Rajshahi Products Limited in Shyampur, Rajshahi, and PRAN Agro Limited in Natore to inspect production infrastructure, according to a press release.

Uzma Chowdhury, director of corporate finance at PRAN-RFL Group, welcomed Cooke at the factories and briefed her on the conglomerate's industrial operations, product portfolio, domestic market presence, and export performance across global destinations.

At Rajshahi Jute Mills – leased from the government and revived by the PRAN-RFL Group – the British envoy inspected the production lines and observed the manufacturing processes for footwear, tents, and umbrellas.

Later, she toured PRAN Agro Limited in Natore, where she reviewed the processing units for noodles, sauces, spices, and other food items, and planted a tree on the factory premises.

Cooke commended PRAN-RFL Group's modern production systems and diversified output, while discussing avenues to expand bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

"The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a strong and growing trade and investment relationship. It is encouraging to see companies such as PRAN-RFL successfully expanding into international markets, including the UK. Bangladesh has clear strengths in manufacturing and agro-processing, with considerable scope to grow exports beyond traditional sectors," Cooke said.

She added: "The UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) provides generous trade preferences and simpler rules of origin to help more Bangladeshi businesses access the UK market, including after LDC graduation. The UK remains committed to closer trade and investment links, helping businesses in both countries identify new opportunities and build long-term commercial partnerships for mutual prosperity."

Uzma Chowdhury noted that the group's food items have established a firm footing in the British market, alongside exports of footwear, containers, and bicycles.

"At the same time, UK-based companies have investments in Bangladesh. We believe that by strengthening our bilateral relationship, we can explore new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries," Chowdhury said.

A British High Commission delegation – comprising Trade Policy Manager Shahrukh Shakir, Trade and Investment Manager Syed Habibur Rahman, and other officials – accompanied the high commissioner during the factory visits.