BD-Zambia Forum to deepen economic ties
Muhammad Ayub Ali :
To strengthen economic ties between Zambia and Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, a daylong event titled ‘Zambia-Bangladesh Business Forum, Dhaka 2025’ will be held on Wednesday at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka.
The forum aims to boost bilateral trade and foster business cooperation, focusing on eight key sectors: agriculture, textiles, energy, infrastructure, ICT, leather, pharmaceuticals, and furniture.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is expected to inaugurate the event as chief guest. A high-level business delegation from Zambia will participate in the forum.
The event is jointly organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia, and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), in collaboration with the Consulate of Zambia in Bangladesh, the High Commission of Zambia in New Delhi, and the Non-Resident High Commission of Bangladesh in Zambia.
Sector experts from both countries will deliver keynote speeches and presentations during the forum, with discussions centred on exploring investment opportunities and enhancing trade partnerships.
Speaking to The New Nation, EPB Director (Policy and Planning – Current Charge) Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain said the primary objective of the forum is to bring together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to identify areas of mutual interest and collaboration.
“Zambia and Bangladesh have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since 1971. Both are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth. This forum will build on our historic ties and pave the way for greater trade and investment cooperation,” he said.
He noted that the forum will highlight opportunities in agriculture and agri-logistics, textiles and garments manufacturing, energy (including renewable energy), infrastructure, fisheries and livestock, and the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The forum is expected to lead to increased trade and investment flows, the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and commercial agreements, and the identification of potential partnerships between Zambian and Bangladeshi businesses.
During their visit, the Zambian delegation will tour various industrial facilities in Bangladesh, including factories in the apparel, leather, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, and renewable energy sectors.
Dr. Mohd Zayed Alam, Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh, told The New Nation that the forum is a vital step toward enhancing bilateral trade ties. “Zambia and Bangladesh have long enjoyed friendly relations and share common visions for trade, business, and cultural exchange,” he said.
Dr Alam highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth and achievements in sectors such as garments, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and agro-products. He added that Zambia, as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, offers significant investment opportunities for Bangladeshi manufacturers like Walton.
He further noted the importance of enhancing Bangladesh’s global image and promoting its competitive strengths in international markets to fully capitalise on new partnerships.