HSBC, NCCI host future-proofing business forum in Dhaka

The Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), in partnership with HSBC Bangladesh, hosted "Future-Proofing Business: A Roadmap to Resilient Bangladesh" on Monday at The Westin Dhaka. The event brought together leading business executives, policymakers, financial experts, and diplomatic representatives to discuss strategies for strengthening Bangladesh’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties, according to a press release.

The event featured insightful discussions on macroeconomic trends, risk management strategies, and trade opportunities, focusing on equipping businesses to navigate financial and regulatory challenges.

The event commenced with opening remarks from NCCI and HSBC representatives,  emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth and financial stability for businesses in  Bangladesh.

A keynote presentation on “Navigating Economic Horizons: Bangladesh's Business  Resilience and Outlook” set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on how businesses can adapt to evolving market dynamics.

The panel discussion, moderated by Tahrin Aman, president, NCCI, featured distinguished experts from the business and financial sectors, including Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman, Chittagong Port Authority, Ali Mushtaq Butt, commercial counsellor, Trade Council, Embassy of Denmark, Tanveer Mohammad, chief corporate affairs officer, Grameenphone Ltd, Ziaur Rahman, regional country manager for H&M Bangladesh.

Dr Ahsan H Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank said: “Bangladesh has a long heritage of friendship and mutual support ties with Nordic countries. These countries' commendable contribution to investments in  Bangladesh and international trade is long appreciated.

We are committed to strengthening this relationship through our relentless reforms, and we continue our committed efforts to enhance the ease of doing business to unlock more excellent FDI opportunities and shared prosperity.  I would like to thank HSBC and NCCI for arranging this imperative timely session and would request to continue such initiatives.” HE Nicolas Weeks, Swedish ambassador to Bangladesh said: “A stable and conducive business environment plays a pivotal role in fostering stronger economic ties between countries. By offering transparent policies, efficient infrastructure.
,  and an open market, both Sweden and Bangladesh can unlock vast opportunities for trade,  investment, and innovation.”

HE Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Norwegian ambassador to Bangladesh said: “Bangladesh is a rich tapestry of promise, culture, and creativity. Full of potential ideas and justifiable demands for a better present and a brighter future. Bangladesh has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, but economic growth has been uneven. Diversifying the economy can help ensure growth benefits all of society.

Labour laws and practices should put labour standards and the protection of workers’ rights – including the rights of workers in the informal economy – at the centre. This is the way to Future-proof your business and the economy of Bangladesh. This is the ideal Roadmap to Resilient  Bangladesh.”

Ali Mushtaq Butt, commercial counsellor, Trade Council, Embassy of Denmark said: “Change is a constant. Bangladesh holds immense opportunities for Nordic businesses, especially with its projected GDP growth. By accelerating regulatory reforms and enhancing public-private collaboration, Bangladesh can unlock even greater potential. The  Nordic experience highlights the importance of sustainability, innovation, and adaptability—values that will be essential for Bangladesh’s continued success in the changing economic environment.”

Mahbub Ur Rahman, CEO and head of Banking, in Bangladesh, said: “For over 50 years, the Nordic countries have been a key partner of Bangladesh’s growth story. The longstanding trade and investment within this corridor has seen solid progress and today, this relationship goes beyond economic ties, empowering millions of lives across the country.

With its mutual focus on creating robust and sustainable economies, this partnership holds many opportunities. As the largest European bank operating in  Bangladesh, HSBC remains ready to connect the unique synergies that exist in the Bangladesh Nordic.”