ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 BRITISH BANGLADESH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY Newsletter BBCCI Spearheading Investment & Ease of Doing Business with Bangladesh

“Networking Event” with Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Senior Secretary, Financial Institutions Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of Bangladesh.

British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI) had the pleasure to arrange a networking event with Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Senior Secretary, Financial Institutions Division, of the Ministry of Finance, of the Government of Bangladesh. The topic of the event was “Promoting Investment in Bangladesh & Ease of doing business with British Companies, Mr Md. Ashadul Islam has appreciated BBCCI’s effort to promote investment into Bangladesh. He mentioned the investment in Bangladesh especially the recent projects promoted by the Bangladesh Government including ICT parks throughout the country. BBCCI Thanks Mr Ali Md Zakaria, Director of BBCCI and Chairman of Movenpick Hotel in Sylhet for facilitating this event. H.E. Saida Muna Tasneem,the High Commissioner of People’s Republic of Bangladesh and a Patron of BBCCI, Hon. Patron were also in attendance. Her Excellency was very pleased to Dr. A. K. Momen Former Bangladesh Ambassador attend the event and emphasized the improved investment to United Nations environment in Bangladesh. The event was conducted by the London Regional President Mr Abul Hyat Nurujjaman. Bbcci Patrons Dynamic President of BBCCI Mr Bashir Ahmed chaired H. E. Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem the event including conducting a Q&A session. Professor The Bangladesh Shahagir Bakth Faruk, Head of the Advisory Board of High Commissioner to UK BBCCI and the former president of BBCCI, was among the H. E. Robert Chatterton Dickson speakers. The other speakers included Mr. Yawar Khan, British High Commissioner to Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, Mr Shahanoor Bangladesh Khan, BBCA Leader and Chairman of European Probashi President Association, Mr Musleh Ahmed, Director of BBCCI and Bashir Ahmed Chairman of Dhaka Regency, Mr Dewan Gous Sultan, BBCCI, UK Investor in Pharma Sector and a Freedom Fighter and Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Senior Secretary with Mr Ali Md Zakaria Judge Belayet Hussain. Shahagir Bakth Faruk Head of Advisery Board Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 01 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 BBCCI Joining to Celebrate th Channel S Channel S 15 Anniversary

Channel S is a UK based, free to air television channel supporting the British Bangladeshi community. It was established on 16th December 2004 by the successful Bangladeshi businessman Mahee Ferdous Jalil. It is the number one Bangladeshi Television Channel in UK and wider Europe. Recently they celebrated the 15th anniversary of its establishment with the community. BBCCI was very delighted to join the celebrations along with other business organizations. It was a very successful and informatively executed event.

BBCCI President Mr. Bashir Ahmed and the team congratulated the chairman Mr. Ahmed Us Samad Choudhury for their successful 15 years of helping the community and express support and cooperation between Mr. Bashir Ahmed,President of BBCCI and the delegation members their two organizations. congratulating Channel S Chairmen Ahmed Us Samad Choudhury & Founder Chairmen Mahee Ferdous Jalil

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 02 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 BBCCI Welcomes and Motivate New Members

BBCCI Member’s Day event took place on Monday the 4th November’ 2019 at the BBCCI board room. This was BBCCI’s first ever membership day event in 29 years of its history. Mission and Vision was to bring valuable members and directors together to network, promote business and focus on a series of activities, sharing best practices. Enjoying the opportunity to connect with fellow members and directors. We believe this day and others like it will provide insight and support to our members and give opportunity to motivate and shape our organization in a prospective way.

Around 82 members and directors were present at the event. As this was a very successful event, BBCCI now plans to continue Members Day as a part of the “New Ways of Working” program which will provide advice and opportunities to build professional relationships with the 4th November 2019 Membership Event organization at a large.

Sayedur Rahman Ranu, Ahmed Us Samad Choudhury, Mohib U.Choudhury An introduction by London Regional President Director General Adviser of BBCCI Senior Vice President

Honorable Guest and CEO of Lastminuteprint.com LTD Honorable Member of BBCCI

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 03 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 BBCCI Delegation to Sylhet

Newly Elected President of Sylhet chamber of commerce & Industry Mr. ATM Shoeb and his executive committee members welcomed British Bangladesh Chamber of commerce & Industry’s delegation headed by vice President M A Quyyum, and Director General Syedur Rahman Ranu along with Mr. Wali Taser Uddin MBE, Mahmudur Rashid, Gulam kibria Oyes.

The BBCCI delegation congratulated the newly elected President and his executive members and discussed long-standing warm relations between the two esteem organisations.

Both the organisations reconfirm their commitment to promote by lateral trade and investments, continue support Bangladesh with investment and know how. President of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce welcoming BBCCI delegates provided information’s about BBCCI’S The BBCCI, UK Delegation recent activities and networking with 52 other international chambers of commerce, British mainstream investors and infrastructure developing companies showing interest to invest and take part at the various incoming projects. BBCCI believe, many British companies would take part in recent economic development of Bangladesh after the Brexit of 31 January 2020.

BBCCI current President, Bashir Ahmed proposed and requested British chamber of commerce and London Chamber of commerce to mobilise a business delegation for Bangladesh at end of the 2020. Directors of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce welcoming The BBCCI, UK Delegation

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 04 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 Bangladesh ICT Division Event in London Bangladesh High Commission has arranged an investment seminar titles “Invest in Digital Bangladesh: Fintech to Hi-tech” in partnership with ICT Division, Government of Bangladesh on Monday 03 February 2020 at 1600 hrs- 1900hrs, at the Attlee Suite Portcullis House, 1 Parliament St, London SW1A 2JR. Hon’ble Minister of ICT Division, H.E. Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP had grace the occasion as Chief Guest. It was attended by HE. High Commissioner of Bangladesh and BBCCI President, many investors and IT sectors personalities form around the country.

Ifty Islam , Chairman of AT Capital and Head of Global Hon’ble Minister of ICT Division, H.E. Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Product Development for Shenzhen Kingdom, a leading Palak, MP at the ICT Division event in London Chinese Technology, gave the keynote presentation at the Bangladesh Fintech Summit.

His presentation highlighted the recent developments BBCCI London Regional in the technology sector in Bangladesh, especially in Committee is Formed Financial Services. He highlighted current collaborations After all the election process and procedure for an elected with Chinese fintechs like Ant Financial and Kingdom London regional executive committee has been formed, International and the substantial opportunities for UK newly elected regional Vice President is Mr. Abdul Kadir, fintech companies and investors in Bangladesh director of TECHICS Limited, Regional General Secretary Md. Shamsul Arefin, A4 Holidays Limited, Membership secretary Chowdhury Jinnat Ali, partner J Stifford Solicitors

Mr. Abdul Kadir Md. Shamsul Arefin Chowdhury Jinnat Ali Vice Presicent Secretary Membership Secretary London Region London Region London Region BBCCI North-East and Midland Regional Executive Committee Elections Will Be Held in March-April 2020

BBCCI London Head Office at 7-15 Greatorex Street, confirmed by a Press Release, North-East and Midland Regional Executive Committee Elections will be held In March-April 2020. Members are requested to collect the nomination form from London office or from the regional offices.

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 05 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020

BBCCI Successful Meeting with BBCCI, North-East Regional British Chamber of Commerce Meeting was held at New Castle BCCI Upon Tyne London 3rd of February 2020. BBCCI has arranged a view exchange meeting with North British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry East regional members and business personalities on 5 BBCCI and British Chamber of Commerce BCCI had a December 2019, at The Last Day’s of Raj Restaurant in very fruitful meeting at the British Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Petty France, London. Newcastle. BBCCI President Bashir Ahmed has presided and M Ahsan Uz Zaman Arif has conducted. BBCCI president Mr. Bashir Ahmed along with International affairs director Mr. Al-Haj Md Abdul Mumin met with director BBCCI Director Athair Khan, host of the event. Welcome of global business network, BCCI, Anne-Marie Martin. Anne-Marie Martin was very pleased to meet with the BBCCI every one and express his gratitude for attending the meeting. president and his team for the first time in BBCCI’s history It was discussed how to mobilize the business community at attending the British Chamber of Commerce for a business the North East region and support them with there capacity meeting. build up and help to integrate with the mainstream business The main agenda was to improve bilateral trade between originations and business’s to promote Bangladeshi owned Bangladesh and UK and to extend mutual understanding business and it’s products. between the two countries including investments in Bangladesh. Anne-Marie was very hopeful to explore and As a special guest speakers the event, attended by Director create more business opportunities in Bangladesh and to visit Bangladesh in the future. Anne Marie also agreed to & Advicer Mr. Shafique Islam, Director, Advisor and former promote Bangladeshi success stories in their magazines, President of North-East region Mahtab Miah, Barrister newsletter and social media sites to attract the mainstream Mujibur Haque, Sufi Ahmed Abdur Razzaque and many business community towards Bangladesh and the British other distinguish members of the business community . Bangladeshi Community in UK.

BBCCI is highly appreciative for their cooperation and looks forward to working and enhancing business opportunities together in the future.

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 06 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 Brexit will create opportunities for the Bangladeshi diaspora – Dr Sean Carey

Since the result of the 2016 EU referendum, the UK has with what economists term “weightlessness” or been lagging comparable economies by some margin. “intangibles” – that is, the often considerable increase However, the latest forecast from the International in value generated through creative design, marketing Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that if there is an orderly and logistics. And that focus on weightlessness or departure from the EU growth in the UK will increase intangibles holds true for companies operating in both to 1.4% in 2020 and 1.5% in 2021, slightly ahead of the manufacturing and service sectors. the 1.3% and 1.4% respectively that is expected in the Eurozone. In fact, despite the success of the $30 billion garment trade (second only to China) and its considerable By contrast and despite the significant slowdown in natural gas reserves, the Bangladeshi economy is India, Bangladesh’s economy is expected to grow more weightless than many people realise. The growth at 7.8% in 2020, the highest in south Asia (though of micro-finance, telephony, the broader IT sector, and the coronavirus outbreak will likely exert downward pharmaceuticals is estimated to already account for pressure, at least in the short term, simply because more than half of the country’s $300 billion economy. China is currently Bangladesh’s main trading This is certain to grow in value over time. partner). Indeed, looking further ahead the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts So, entrepreneurs entering the market will almost that Bangladesh will move from its current position of certainly do best if they focus on hidden or yet-to-be 40th of 193 countries to 26th by 2029 and 25th by realised value in manufacturing or services. Indeed, 2034. This will be a remarkable achievement and a that’s where the British Bangladesh Chamber of tribute to its population and political leadership since Commerce and Industry (BBCCI) can play a major the country’s independence in 1971. role. President Bashir Ahmed and his team have considerable knowledge and expertise in fostering Of course, because the UK is now looking to forge trade links between British and Bangladeshi new economic partnerships since its departure from businesses. In particular, they can help you evaluate the EU on 31 January 2020 this creates any number of your ideas as well as how to turn them into reality. novel business opportunities for British Bangladeshis who maintain, or wish to forge, links with Bangladesh. For more information on conducting business with Entrepreneurs wishing to establish new businesses Bangladesh please contact BBCCI President Bashir should initially perhaps take stock of existing trade Ahmed on [email protected] or call 0207 247 5525. patterns between the two Commonwealth countries You can also visit the BBCCI’s website at and then think hard about where the gaps are in order www.bbcc.org.uk to exploit them. Something that needs to be kept in mind when considering long-term opportunities is Dr Sean Carey is Senior Research Fellow in the School that countries, advanced or developing, grow faster of Social Sciences, University of Manchester if there are a significant number of sectors concerned

Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 07 ISSUE NOº V, Volume - 04 March 2020 BBCCI Celebrates the Business Success’s of our Members and Directors Tech ICS | Digital and IT Specialists | Expressing your vision. A creative design agency building the future. We aspire in becoming your tech service partner. Technology has to be alongside every business in the world if it seeks to grow. Connectivity happens instantly by having the right tools. Social media allows us to expand our contact to anywhere in the world. At Tech ICS we love generating new ideas, and are believers that there are many ways to achieve objectives. Tech ICS are Digital and IT Specialists based in the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. We started our journey in October 2018, with a unique idea to support businesses. Over the last 18 months we’ve structured a team of 12, and growing to review your project demands and deliver results.

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Jehangir Haque, Director BBCCI, UK He is Mole Valley’s first Asian & Muslim Chairman (Mayor)

Jehangir Haque continued his education at Brooklands Technical College Weybridge. He settled very quickly in Surrey, first in Bookham in 1979, where he opened his first Bangladeshi restaurant in Great Bookham. In 1983, opened his second restaurant, Called Fetcham Tandoori , subsequently several others openings took place in Surrey. Jehangir Haque son now carries a great deal of responsibility in running the restaurant business but Jehangir Haque remains very heavily involved. In 2010 Jehangir Haque moved from serving his customers, to serving the Fetcham community, when he was elected as a member of the Council. In 2014 he was re-elected for a second term, now beginning his third term.

His years on Mole Valley Council Surrey have been exceptionally busy. He has served on Development Control Committee & on Scrutiny Committee, Local Committee, and there consistently urged the County Council to improve its performance especially on roads and pavements in Fetcham. Jehangir is without doubt an exemplary Councilor & Restaurateur, who commands great deal of respect in Council chamber as well as amongst his Customers who have been coming and Dining At Fetcham Tandoori for last 35 Years.

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Unit 16, 7-15 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF Email: [email protected] | Web: www.bbcc.org.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7247 5525 08 Last Minute Print 020 7377 6198