Standard Chartered, UKEF explore ways to boost Bangladesh-UK trade
Standard Chartered Bangladesh and UK Export Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom's export credit agency, jointly organised a high-level roundtable in Dhaka to discuss accelerating Bangladesh-UK trade and supporting the country's export diversification.
Senior representatives from Standard Chartered Bangladesh, the British High Commission in Dhaka, and UKEF joined business leaders from the pharmaceutical, light engineering, agribusiness, seafood, and footwear sectors for the discussion, which was held to explore opportunities to accelerate Bangladesh-UK trade and support the country's export diversification, according to a press release.
Participants exchanged views on market opportunities and challenges, and on the role of trade finance and export credit in strengthening bilateral trade.
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The roundtable featured discussions on the practical use of UKEF-backed financing in Bangladesh, structuring export credit facilities, and aligning project pipelines with the country's development priorities, including infrastructure, sustainability, and industrial upgrading.
CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh Enamul Huque said, "Standard Chartered has been a partner in Bangladesh's growth story for over 120 years. As the country advances towards its next phase of development, deepening trade and investment ties with strategic partners such as the United Kingdom will be critical."
"Through today's roundtable, we are reinforcing our commitment to connect Bangladesh with the world and the world with Bangladesh. By working closely with UK Export Finance, we can help bring world-class UK expertise, technology and capital to our clients in Bangladesh," he added.
The UK and Bangladesh have a long-standing economic relationship. The roundtable enabled UKEF representatives to hear directly from business leaders and explore areas where UK companies, expertise and financing could support innovation, growth and development in Bangladesh.
Standard Chartered said it sought to become a leading UKEF partner in connecting Bangladeshi companies, financial institutions and public-sector entities with UK suppliers, technology and capital.
Such cooperation could help Bangladeshi businesses access high-quality UK goods and services, modernise their operations, improve productivity and diversify exports in line with international standards, the bank added.
Standard Chartered Bangladesh said it remained committed to supporting the country's evolving trade and investment landscape, drawing on its more than 120-year presence.
Through strategic collaboration with institutions such as UKEF, the bank aims to facilitate sustainable growth, promote diversification of exports and supply chains, and strengthen Bangladesh's position in global trade.
