Singapore HC suggests Halal Certification on Bangladeshi agriculture products

Singapore investors called for more significant business engagement to accelerate Singapore-Bangladesh trade business growth at a roundtable hosted by Eastern Bank PLC. (EBL) on 'Investment Climate in Bangladesh and Singapore-Bangladesh Business Opportunities' at its head office in the city's Gulshan area yesterday, April 9, 2025.

A high-profile delegation from Singapore participated in the roundtable, visiting Dhaka in connection with the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

The roundtable aimed to foster honest dialogue, fresh ideas, and long-term partnerships. Singapore's strategic importance to Bangladesh was underscored, particularly as Bangladesh approaches LDC graduation and seeks deeper integration into global trade networks.

The event's Chief Guest, Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, said, "Bangladesh Bank is committed to fostering a financial ecosystem that aligns with global standards and supports bilateral trade and investment growth. We see Singapore as a trade partner and a strategic ally in achieving sustainable development, boosting financial innovation, and creating shared prosperity."

The special guest of the event, Derek Loh, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, said, "Bangladesh has the opportunity to export more agricultural products to Singapore. Bangladesh can use 'Halal Certification' on its products as the Singaporean Muslim community is interested in them. The present economic situation around the world is difficult for all. However, we have to work collectively to fight against the situation." He added that both big investors and tiny entrepreneurs are interested in investing in Bangladesh.

Md. Hasan Abdullah Towhid, Director of the South East Asia Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "Singapore is a key partner for Bangladesh, with strong economic ties and great potential for expanded trade and investment. Bangladesh offers Singapore access to a large consumer market, a young, trainable workforce, and cost-effective manufacturing, serving as a gateway to South Asia. In return, Bangladesh seeks to benefit from Singapore's finance, urban planning, logistics, and technology strengths. We welcome Singaporean investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, IT, renewable energy, and finance to support our digital economy goals."

Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director of Eastern Bank, highlighted, "At Eastern Bank, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for international investors through tailored banking solutions that facilitate cross-border investments and foster trade growth. Our specialised desks for China, Korea, Japan, and India have already proven successful, and we strongly advocate for establishing a dedicated Singapore desk to enhance our partnership further and support new avenues of collaboration."

As Bangladesh's third-largest foreign investor, Singapore is crucial in trade diversification, infrastructure development, and digital innovation. Participants also discussed how Singapore's position as a global logistics hub offers unique advantages for Bangladeshi goods entering ASEAN, East Asia, and Oceania markets.

The roundtable was attended by Mitchel Lee, Charge d'affaires, High Commission of Singapore; Benjamin Chue, Development Partner, Enterprise Singapore; S Anand, Head, Surbana Jurong; Melvin Tan, Managing Director; Ashraf Suppiah, GM of Cyclect Group; and Choon Poh Poi, Executive Director, DBS Singapore, along with concerned high officials from EBL.