Shopup launches gateway gulf to connect Bangladeshi brands with Saudi retail
ShopUp, the country's largest B2B commerce platform, recently hosted Gateway Gulf — an exclusive event marking the launch of a direct distribution channel for Bangladeshi brands into the Saudi retail market.
The event celebrated the beginning of a bold new chapter for cross-border trade, following the merger of ShopUp and Sary and the formation of SILQ — a unified platform aimed at bridging economies and helping businesses grow across regions. SILQ combines ShopUp's deep-rooted local sourcing with Sary's robust regional infrastructure to simplify trade and connect Bangladeshi producers with entrepreneurs across the Gulf, South Asia, and other emerging markets.
The initiative seeks to transform local manufacturers into global players — with products like heritage grains, puffed rice and household staples reaching store shelves far beyond Bangladesh.
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The event, held in Dhaka, was attended by key dignitaries including Dr Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank; Mitchel Lee, chargé d'affaires of the Singapore High Commission; and James Goldman, deputy high commissioner of the United Kingdom. Leading clients and banking partners were also present.
"This platform has opened up a fantastic opportunity for Bangladesh to enter new markets with high-potential, locally made products," said Dr Mansur. "I congratulate ShopUp on this remarkable step and hope to see more Bangladeshi brands thrive globally."
Afeef Zaman, founder and group CEO of SILQ, highlighted the platform's larger ambition: "Bangladeshi products — from Chinigura rice to everyday essentials — hold immense potential on the world stage. This platform is about creating access and global visibility, starting with the Gulf."
A notable moment of the evening came when Mr Hafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi diaspora entrepreneur, shared how he successfully exported puffed rice to Saudi Arabia using the platform — a tangible testament to Gateway Gulf's promise.
At its heart, Gateway Gulf aims to empower Bangladeshi diaspora entrepreneurs across the Gulf to become brand ambassadors — carrying the taste, quality and pride of Bangladesh across borders.
