Staff Reporter :
The Consulate of Zambia was formally inaugurated in Bangladesh yesterday, marking a significant step toward deepening trade and investment relations between the two friendly nations.
The inauguration took place during the Zambia-Bangladesh Business Forum-Dhaka, held at a prominent hotel in the capital. The event was jointly organized by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh, Zambia’s Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, 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.
Distinguished speakers at the event included Md Anwar Hossain, Vice Chairman of the EPB; Crusivia C. Hichikumba, Permanent Secretary of Investment and Industrialisation, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia; Percy Chanda, High Commissioner of Zambia to India; Md Mushfiqur Rahman, Chairperson of the SME Foundation; and Dr. Mohd Zayed Alam, Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh.
The forum was moderated by Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain, Director (Policy and Planning) at EPB, and Issa Mainuddin, Attaché of the Zambian Consulate in Bangladesh.
Strengthening Economic Ties:
Md Anwar Hossain emphasized that Bangladesh’s emergence as a resilient, export-driven economy opens new avenues for collaboration with African nations, especially Zambia.
“Zambia serves as a strategic gateway to several neighboring markets in Southern and Central Africa, including Congo, Malawi, and Zimbabwe,” Hossain said. “These linkages position Zambia as a vital trade corridor, offering new prospects for regional trade and investment.”
He added that the forum is not just about strengthening bilateral ties but also about accessing a broader regional economic corridor through Zambia.
Exploring Sectoral Synergies
Crusivia C. Hichikumba described the forum as a milestone in advancing commercial and investment relations between the two countries.
“This event provides an essential platform for industry leaders to explore collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and value-added products,” he said. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strengths, he noted, “Bangladesh’s expertise in garments, textiles, leather goods, and pharmaceuticals aligns perfectly with Zambia’s development goals.”
He encouraged Bangladeshi businesses to utilize the forum to connect with Zambian enterprises and build meaningful partnerships.
