DBCCI Newsletter 2017 by Plaban Mukherjee

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to this edition of the DBCCI (Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Newsletter, which is envisaged to be a quarterly publication by the Chamber. The major objective of the publication shall be to publicize and promote the various activities and occupations of the Chamber, whilst also simultaneously functioning as an active platform for various policy agendas. To that respect, we introduce the newly elected Board of Directors of DBCCI, and focus on some of the major activities of the current Board which have been undertaken till date. On that note, we highlight the participation of the President of DBCCI in the entourage of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in the 72nd sessions of the United Nations General Assembly during September 2017 at New York, USA. The major intent of this publication is to have a strong informational focus, whereby various programs and offerings by the Dutch and European governments and inter-governmental organizations shall be communicated for the awareness and benefit of our members. Another major objective of the Newsletter is to promote intra-Chamber recognition of its members. To that end, in this edition, we have featured a story on ‘Seed market in Bangladesh” by our Joint Secretary General, Mr. AtausSopan Malik. Furthermore, the President of the Chamber has wisely expressed his ideas about market diversification for sustained export growth. With this and without further wait, I would like to welcome you to this edition of the DBCCI Newsletter. We sincerely and strongly hope that you shall find this to be informative and of use in your business. If you have any suggestions or comments, please feel free to communicate them to us at info@dbcci. com. I look forward towards your valuable suggestions and opinions. Sincerely Yours, Abdul Mumit Editor & Director Finance, DBCCI

CONTENTS

NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

17TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF DBCCI

INTRODUCING NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DUTCH BANGLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

MARKET DIVESSIFICATION FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH

DBCCI RECENT NEWS

FEATURED MEMBER A. R. MALIK & CO.

EDITORIAL BOARD OF DBCCI NEWSLETTER Adviser

Shahriar Taha Secretary General Editor

Abdul Mumit Director Finance Associate Editor

Biswajit Roy Coordinator

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI) Hasan Holdings, 8th Floor, 52/1 New Eskaton Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Tel: +88 02 58310839, Fax: +88 02 58311066, E-mail: info@dbcci.org, Web: www.dbcci.org

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

MESSAGE FROM THE

PRESIDENT

is my great pleasure to greet you as the president of DBCCI and on behalf of the board of directors of DBCCI. I was thrilled to see many of our members during DBCCI Annual General Meeting. I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of our former Presidents and the hard works of all the members of the Board, standing committees and others valuable member of the chamber who helped to make the event a successful one. I am glad to see some of our long-time members and also want to welcome several newly joined members. I always think DBCCI as a family and want it to grow bigger and stronger every year. In this coming year, DBCCI executive teams will continue to open arms to welcome new members to join the family, especially the young entrepreneur who are creating significant contribution for the development of our country - the new generation to the DBCCI family. DBCCI executive teams always strive to better serve our members.

for the commercial energies of both countries. I am very pleased to share that we provide many great benefits for our members. Networking, member benefits, and advocacy are a few of our main focus areas. By developing of trade & business we strengthen the bridge between Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

As you know, the mission of the Chamber is to facilitate and foster trade, investment and opportunities between the Netherlands and Bangladesh. It encourages joint ventures and the exchange of knowledge by acting as a catalyst

We will have in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agenda to further promote DBCCI involvement with different national & International program and participation in international conferences related to business with EU market. We are extremely proud of our

Our networking events allow you to connect with other local and international business and community leaders. Our frequent luncheons & dinners allow you to make a deeper connection with chamber members and learn from firstrate speakers. In addition to our networking events, we hold trade delegation to the Netherlands, tradeshows in both Bangladesh & the Netherlands, B2B meeting, cultural event, CSR program, etc. Your membership gives you many different ways to promote yourself and make critical connections to further grow and develop your business.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

“AS YOU KNOW, THE MISSION OF THE CHAMBER IS TO FACILITATE AND FOSTER TRADE, INVESTMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES BETWEEN THE NETHERLANDS AND BANGLADESH AND TO ENCOURAGE JOINT VENTURES AND THE EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE BY ACTING AS A CATALYST FOR THE COMMERCIAL COUNTRIES ” Faruque Hassan President Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry member’s outstanding achievements, and looking forward to seeing continuous successes of our members. We will persistently reach out to look for opportunities to extend our network and to connect members with professionals worldwide especially EU market who share our common interests. The electronic DBCCI Newsletters and Website are effective and efficient ways to inform members about news and events. Our members receive Newsletters through e-mail. It doesn’t matter where you live, as long as you have an active e-mail address, we will deliver it to your home or office. Perhaps some ones missed the Newsletter; please ask them to update their e-mail addresses. We are constantly updating DBCCI Website www.dbcci.com- the internet home of our organization is where you will find news and events and in case you missed the Newsletter that’s the place you can find them. I ask your feedback to make the Website an even better resource for our members. After all, we are all connected just a few clicks away. If you are new to the chamber, please remember, the greater

your involvement, the bigger the return on your investment. It takes time to understand all that the chamber can do for your operation and to make connections with local business and community leaders. I encourage you to remain engaged and seriously consider participation on a committee. We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you during the year. You, the members, are the foundation of the Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Together we will harvest significant benefits for the robust and steady growth of the economy of both Bangladesh and the Netherlands. I am excited about the opportunity to serve DBCCI in this capacity. The members of the Board of Directors and I look forward to the participation of each of our members, and hope to leverage your energy and ideas to keep us more dynamic. We do continue to solicit ideas to reach out more effectively and invite you all to join our efforts to do so in the coming days. Thank you.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

17TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF DBCCI

THE

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2017-2018 of Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI) was held at The Westin Dhaka on May 18, 2017. Mr. Md. Anwar Shawkat Afser , outgoing President of DBCCI Chaired the meeting and handed over the charges to the newly-elected office bearers of the trade body while Mr. Khandakar Shahidul Islam, Member of the Election Board and Mr. Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Chairman, Election Appeal Board were present. Mr. Faruque Hassan, Managing Director, Giant Apparels Ltd. elected the President and Mr. Shahriar Taha, Managing Director of Remex Corporation elected the Secretary General. The other Office Bearers and Directors of the new committee are: KN-Harbour Consortium Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Hassan Mahamood Chowdhury, Vice President, ETBL Holding Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Rizwan-Ur-Rahman, Vice President, A. R. Malik & Company (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Ataus Sopan Malik, Joint Secretary General, Dutch-Bangla Pack Ltd. Director, Mr. Abdul Mumit, Director Finance, K.A. Rahman & Co. Proprietor Mr. Kazi Aftabur Rahman, Director, Shasha Denims Ltd. Managing Director, Mr. Shams Mahmud, Director; Universal Gas & Gas Cylinder (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Shahjahan Saju, Director, R.F. Holdings Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Lion Kamrul Hassan MJF, Director, Pharmik Laboratories Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Alhajj Dr. Ahmed Robin Ispahani, Director

Mr. Anwar Shawkat Afser, outgoing President of DBCCI highlighted the salient features of the Annual Report of DBCCI at the AGM. The Annual Report and the audited account for the year 2015-2016 of DBCCI were unanimously approved by the General Body members of DBCCI. Martine van Hoogstraten, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs and Development Cooperation, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and 127 members of DBCCI and representative from print and Electronic media were present in the AGM.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

INTRODUCING NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DBCCI FOR THE YEAR 2017 AND 2018 OFFICE BEARERS OF THE BOARD

Mr. Faruque Hassan President

Mr. Faruque Hassan has completed his Master degree in Management from Dhaka University. He has started his career in garment industry from 1982 & became the business emblem of the industry. He was Senior Vice President of DBCCI for 2008-10. Mr. Faruque has been elected thrice in Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer & Exports Association (BGMEA) as a Director. Furthermore, currently he is serving as a Senior Vice President BGMEA. Founder Member, Board of Trustees, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), Vice President in the Board of Centre of Excellence for Bangladesh Apparel Industry (CEBAI), Co-Chair of the Steering

Committee of Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) Project jointly implemented by International Finance Corporation (IFC) & BGMEA. Member of the Steering Committee of WRG 2030 (World Bank Group) working towards cleaner water and sanitization for the community. He is also members of many Business Chambers and social associations. Mr. Faruque Hassan is the Managing Director of Giant Apparels Ltd., Managing Director of Shafi Processing Industries Ltd., Director of Giant Agro Processing Ltd. Email: faruque@giantbd.com, giant@giantbd.com

Mr. Hashan Mahmood Chowdhury Vice President

Mr. Hassan Mahmood Chowdhury has done, B. A. (Hons) & M. A. in Political Science from Chittagong University in the year 1982. He started his Business career from 1985 and by dint of his leadership qualities he has became leader of the business community. He has immense rapport with Chittagong Port Authority and customs. He is associated with the many trade bodies and social associations. He is GB Member of FBCCI, First-Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Masters Stevedors Association (Berth Operator), Director, Bangladesh-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.

He has vast experience in Turn-Key project handling and especially in management of heavy equipment transportation from Chittagong Port to different project sites in Bangladesh. He is the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KN-Harbour Consortium Ltd., Managing Director of Harbour Shipping Agency Ltd., Proprietor of Chowdhury Associates and Bangladesh International Shipping Corporation. The nature of business of his companies are Port, Shipping, Oil, Gas and Power. Email: hassan@kn-harbour.com, knectg@yahoo.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mr. Rizwan-Ur-Rahman Vice President

Mr. Rizwan-ur Rahman is the managing Director of ETBL Holdings Ltd., which has several subsidiaries specialising in Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Insurance, Banking and other financial services. He is a Sponsor Director of Eastland Insurance Company Ltd. and a former director of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

ETBL Holdings Ltd. is also the local partner of Van Oord Dredging & Marine Contractors b. v., one of the largest Dredging companies in the world. Email: rr@etbl.org

Mr. Shahriar Taha Secretary General

Mr. Shahriar Taha is a reputed businessman. Currently, he became the Secretary General of Dutch Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He has completed his MBA, Major in Marketing from Independent University. He did his graduation in Economics from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He is the member of many trade bodies and social associations.

Mr. Shahriar Taha is the Managing Director of Remex Corporation, Director of Best Wool Sweater Limited & Interlink Accessories Limited and Proprietor of Remex Ingredients Solutions. Email: s_taha@remexcorp.com, shahriar.taha@gmail.com

Mr. Ataus Sopan Malik Joint Secretary General

Mr. Ataus Sopan Malik Is a Business Graduate from the University of South Australia. He started his career as a Sales Person in Le Serge Leather Goods Pty. Ltd. and later on promoted to a Production Supervisor at the same company. After coming back to Bangladesh, in 1997, he took control of AR Malik Seeds (Pvt.) Ltd. as a Managing Director. The nature of business of AR Malik Seeds (Pvt.) Ltd. is to import, produce

and market hybrid seeds, and now has the marketing network all over Bangladesh. AR Malik Seeds (Pvt.) Ltd. has achieved many national awards for its outstanding contribution in the Bangladeshi seed industry. Email: info@malikseeds.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mr. Abdul Mumit Director Finance

Mr. Abdul Mumit is the Senior Lecturer of North South University, Member of IBA Alumni Association and University of Cambridge Alumni Association, Full Blue, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge and Recipient of Cambridge Commonwealth Scholarship. He is the Director of BPGMEA and Council Member of European FIBC Association.

Mr. Abdul Mumit is the Deputy Managing Director of DutchBangla Pack Ltd. E-mail: mumit@dbpackltd.com

DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD

Mr. Shams Mahmud Director

Mr. Shams Mahmud is the Honorary consul, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Director, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMC), Director, Bangladesh Philippines Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Convener, Standing Committee of Country Competitiveness, FDI, Branding, Big B, Blue Economy of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI)

He is the Managing Director, Shasha Denims Ltd., Shasha Textiles, Ltd. and Shasha Garments Ltd., Chairman Energis Power Corporation His company achieved the Highest Export Award, BTMC, 2010-11, National Gold Export Trophy, Govt. of Bangladesh 2011-12, 201213, 2013-14 and Shere Bangla Shining Personality Award, 2016 E-mail: shamsmahmud@gmail.com

Mr. Kazi Aftabur Rahman Director

Mr. Kazi Aftabur Rahman is the member of many trade bodies and social associations.

Concerns are Aftab Trade International, Asif Packaging & Industries, East Asia Agencies Ltd.

He is the proprietor of K.A. Rahman & Co. The other Sister

E-mail: karahmanco@yahoo.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mr. Md. Shahjahan Saju Director

Mr. Md. Shahjahan Saju is the Chairman & Managing Director of Universal Gas & Gas Cylinder (Pvt.) Ltd.

E-mail: msenter2008@ymail.com

Mr. Lion Kamrul Hassan Bachchu MJF Director

Mr. Kamrul Hassan Bachchu is the Managing Director of R.F. Holdings Ltd.

E-mail: amin.ullah483@gmail.com

Dr. Ahmed Robin Ispahani Director

Dr. Ahmed Robin Ispahani is the Managing Director of Pharmik Laboratories Ltd. and JR Pharma (Unani), Vice Chairman, Brotherhood Asset (Pvt.) Ltd., Managing Partner of Brotherhood Chemical and Brotherhood Trading.

He is the General Secretary of J.U.R. Foundation E-mail: pharmik_lab@yahoo.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

DUTCH BANGLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DBCCI)

ABOUT Dutch Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a memberdriven organization. We work together with our members, and supportive partners like Dutch Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh and Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague, the Netherlands. We provide valuable and actionable information, business and social contacts to our members. DBCCI organize Workshop, Business Seminar, Trade Fair, Catalogue Show, etc. We also arrange Trade Delegation to the Netherlands and Invite Trade Mission from the Netherlands. The business communities of the both countries get the opportunity to develop, promote and explore businesses between the two brotherly countries Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

DBCCI obtained the license (no.22/99) from the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh as the 1st Bi-lateral Chamber of Commerce on 7th November 1999 and itself registered in Joint Stock, Reg. No. 450(07)/99 on 29th December 1999 under the Companies Act XVIII of 1994. The activities of this Chamber are aligned with the needs of the members. It is overseen by a Board of Directors who are leaders from member organizations in a variety of business sectors. The directors are volunteers whose companies not only invest the directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time but also invest funds in excess of general membership subscriptions to help the Chamber and improve the business community.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

MEMBERS BENEFITS The Chamber provides valuable services to the community that individual businesses can’t provide on their own. The major categories of services are: 1.

Promotion and Exposure – Through your listing in the DBCCI’s print and online membership directory, via social media, our magazine and website, you’ll be able to promote your company, products and services to our members and beyond. Members are also referred first when enquiries are received for products and services from the Netherlands and from the Chamber members.

2. Knowledge – Practical, informative and topical seminars and guest speaker events will help you maximize your knowledge and augment your potential in the EU market. Our regular communications program includes our Update Service, a quarterly publication News letter, website, social media and an annual membership directory. 3. Attend outbound Trade Delegation to the Netherlands – Members might attend Business Seminar and personalized Meetings (B2B) with European counterpart in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. This is a great opportunity to explore EU market, promote your business, initiate joint venture and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). 4. Meet inbound Trade Delegation from the Netherlands – We arrange networking business meeting (B2B) with relevant business sectors with the incoming Dutch Trade Mission time to time. 5. Networking Opportunities – Luncheons/Dinner Meetings, Workshops, and Joint Meetings with other Chambers all provide excellent opportunities to meet and network with relevant business community. 6. Community Involvement – The Chamber supports the EU Community by developing business partnerships and provides information, visits by business people, recognition of Businessman that will ensure a strong economic base for the community. 7. Government Involvement –Chamber roles as the collective voice of businesses in the community. 8. Recognition of Achievement – Annual General meeting

of the Year and Business Person of the Year awards, Reception and the Chamber newsletter recognize achievements of local businesses and business people in the community. 9. Business Promotion – Chamber members are also listed in the Chamber directory and on the website. The Dutch Chamber supports and promotes businesses to the Chamber membership and the EU Community at large. 10. Marketing – Target new customers by purchasing mailing labels of the Chamber’s membership. 11. Ribbon Cuttings – Provide a way to introduce and showcase your business to the Dutch community. 12. Programs and Speakers – Informative, relevant and educational information are presented at the Workshops, Lunch/Dinner Meeting and Governmental Forums. 13. Sponsorship opportunities – Improve your business visibility by sponsoring one or more Chamber events such as Reception, Workshop, Seminar, AGM and more! 14. An Opportunity to be Part of DBCCI – Participation on Board of Directors and one of the DBCCI’s committees is an excellent way to support the development of the Chamber, to meet new people and develop new skills. The DBCCI encourages its members to be involved with the Chamber and have hands-on involvement in the development of the Chamber and work for the benefit of our members. 15. Tailored Content and Events – DBCCI works with our partners to develop tailored content (available in print and online) that highlights companies, sectors and expertise. We also partner with Chamber members to develop events to increase their visibility while providing valuable information to other Chamber members and the general public. 16. New and Useful Business Contacts – Our members come from over different business sectors, but they all have one thing in common; a keen interest in DBCCI commercial and trade relationship. With many regular and well-attended social and business networking events you can make new connections, gather insight and share experiences with a wide range of professionals.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP Any of the following criteria might belong to DBCCI Membership •

Companies having business transaction with Dutch counterpart (The Netherlands / Holland).

•

Companies having Dutch franchisee / representative / agencies, etc.

•

Companies having Dutch ownership or partnership/joint venture.

•

Having Certain plan to commence business with the Netherlands.

CONTACT Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI) Hasan Holdings, 8th Floor, 52/1 New Eskaton Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Tel: +88 02 58310839, Fax: +88 02 58311066, E-mail: info@dbcci.org, Web: www.dbcci.org

NEW MEMBERS LIST •

Cosmic Bags & Packaging Industries, 9/G Motijheel C/A, (2nd Floor), Room-4, Dhaka-1000, Contact Person: Mr. K. Feroze Qayyum, Director

•

K.K. Shipping Lines, House- NE(E)3, Road- 74, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212, Contact Person: Mr. Mohammed Khurshid Alam, CEO

•

Nahar Agro Complex Limited., Plot-2, Paharika – R/A, South Khulshi. Chittagong, Contact Person: Mr. Md. Rakibur Rahman Managing Director

•

Standard Exim Trading Ltd., House- 27, Road- 96, Gulshan- 2, Dhaka- 1212, Contact Person: Mr. Rashed Hasan

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

ARTICLE MARKET DIVERSIFICATION FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH Faruque Hassan, President, DBCCI The readymade garment (RMG) sector of Bangladesh tells an impressive story of Bangladesh’s successful transition towards an export-oriented economy. From an almost unknown entity in the early 1980s, the RMG sector has become a major share of export earnings and has strengthened its base in the country’s export structure over time. RMG export demonstrated considerable growth from a meager US$ 31 million in 1983 to a steadfast figure of over USD 28.09 billion by the end of 2015-2016 (July 2015 to June 2016) fiscal year. The industry has become the country’s main source of foreign currency earnings accounting for more than 81% of total exports. With the rapid expansion of the industry

over the last three decades the export markets did not expand relatively rather remained mostly concentrated on few major markets. The two major markets for Bangladesh garment exports have been the United States and the European Union countries (predominately Germany, United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden). Market diversification has always been limited, with exports to these main markets accounting for as much as 84.3% of the total garment exports. The United States of America holds 20% share whereas EU as a region holds 61% share of our total apparel exports. Canada is the third largest

market having only 3.55% of the share. This is quite encouraging to notice that over the past ten years a remarkable progress has been achieved in diversifying our exports to nontraditional markets. The share of our apparel export to markets other than EU and North America was 2.44% in 20052006 fiscal year which has increased to 15.37% in the 2015-2016 fiscal year amounting an export turnover of 4.32 billion dollars. Significant improvement has taken place in export to Asian region, particularly Japan, China, India, South Korea, to Latin American countries like Brazil, Mexico and Chile, and to markets like Turkey, South Africa, Russia and Australia.

FY2015-2016

FY2005-2006

15.37%

4.66%

2.44%

3.55% 33.30% 20.02%

59.60%

61.06%

USA

CANADA

OTHERS

Source: EPB, Compiled by BGMEA

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

These are some of the new and emerging markets for Bangladesh. Export to Turkey has amounted to USD 460.29 million in FY2015-16 though the amount was USD 622.37 million in FY2013-14. This dent in exports to Turkey is caused by the imposition of safeguard duty by Turkish Government on their apparel imports. Among the Asian countries China, South Korea and India showed robust growth. Exports to Japan reached to USD774 million last fiscal year. The Latin America market seems to be highly promising for us. Export to Brazil has more than doubled from USD 45.17 million in FY2009-10 to USD 120 million in FY2015-16. The variation of the seasonal cycle in Latin America because of its location in the Southern Hemisphere creates a unique advantage for us to utilize the lean periods of winter products. Russia, Australia, Mexico and Chile are also showing encouraging growth in recent years. This growth in non-traditional markets has been possible for a number of policy supports and initiatives taken by the Government and the industry. There was no Embassy of Bangladesh in any Latin American countries before 2011, nor any Latin Embassy in Bangladesh; As a result of BGMEA’s rigorous persuasion with the present Government, the Government of Bangladesh opened embassy in Brazil and Mexico. Brazil has also opened their Embassy in Dhaka, so the visa process and travel to these countries has become easier. Nevertheless,

the special incentive provided by the Bangladesh Government on exports to non-traditional markets helped significantly to achieve this progress. Market access and commercial diplomacy will be vital for us. The European Union simplified the GSP rules of origin from ‘two-stage’ to ‘one-stage’ from the 1st of January 2011. Norway and Switzerland has also adopted the revised rule of EU from 1st of April and 1st of May 2011 respectively. Japan the second largest clothing importing country in the world with USD 30 billion imports in a year - also relaxed its GSP rules of origin. We have got duty free export in India and Chile. China, South Korea and Malaysia have also granted duty free access to selected RMG products. All these policy adjustments will give a new leap to our exports. We have to discuss & negotiate with the new Trump Government for duty free issues with USA as well as need to engage in discussions with United Kingdom on post BREXIT regime. Besides, strong steps are needed to pursue duty free access in Russia, South Africa, Turkey and the Latin American countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina. While talking about market diversification, it becomes relevant to highlight the importance of product diversification as well. Important to note that the majority (around 80%) of our export items are concentrated in five basic products – trouser, t-shirt, sweater, shirts, and jackets mostly made of cotton. In recent years export

is being expanded to other items like - suits/blazers, lingerie, activewear/sports-wear and outerwear, and non-cotton items. We already made a breakthrough in Denim as we are the largest Denim trouser exporter to EU markets. We are taking strategies to ensure long-term growth through penetrating higher market segments, fashion and innovation. Bangladesh is gearing up to cater the high-end and branded fashion segments. Moreover, most of our items are cotton based, which is fact, and we have opportunities in man-made fibre based apparel, especially fabrics made of man-made fibre like viscose, rayon, spandex, polyester, etc where Bangladesh has a huge market, but almost no production capacity. If we can bring more investments – local or foreign - in these items well, this will benefit us tremendously. Though the world clothing exports could not keep positive growth in 2015 and also 2016, it is estimated that the market will reach USD650 billion by 2020 which is now at USD445 billion. We have the possibility to grab a share of this growth. The demographic advantage of Bangladesh coupled with duty free quota free market access enjoyed as an LDC and increasing capacity of backward linkage industries are indicating a bright future of the industry ahead. Market diversification and moving to high value added segment are going to be critical to pursue the next big opportunities.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

DBCCI RECENT NEWS DBCCI Iftar party

Dutch Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI) hosted an IFTAR MAHFIL on Wednesday, the 21st June 2017 at The Westin Dhaka. Her Excellency Ms. Leoni Margaretha Cuelenaere, Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka graced the event as a Chief Guest. Mr. Faruque Hassan, President of DBCCI warmly welcomed to all in the program. He focused on various activities recently taken by DBCCI. H.E. Ms Leoni expressed her gratitude to DBCCI for the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities to develop bilateral trade between the Netherlands and Bangladesh. She assured the best support for DBCCI for their enthusiastic steps forward developing Business for both the countries. Mr. Hashan Mahmood Chowdhury, Vice-President of DBCCI & Managing Director of KN Harbour Consortium Ltd., Mr. Rizwan-Ur Rahman, Vice-President of DBCCI & Managing Director of ETBL Holding Ltd., others Honorable Directors and formers Presidents of DBCCI were present in the event.

Mr. Joseph Buckley, Counsellor, Head of Finance, Contracts & Audit, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, President, Bangladesh International Business Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mr. Abul Kasem Khan, President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), Mr. Engr. Rashed Maksud Khan, Chairman, Appeal Board, DBCCI Election 2017 and Former President of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI), Mr. M. Maksud, President of France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCIFB), Mr. Md. Alamgir Jalil, President of Bangladesh Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI), Brigadier General Ali Ahmed Khan, Psc, Director General, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, Government of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Bangladesh, Distinguished members of DBCCI, media representative of Electronic and Printing media participated in the event. The program was ended followed by dinner. The President of DBCCI expressed his gratitude to KN Harbour Consortium Ltd., for sponsoring the event.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

As an entourage with the Honorable Prime Minister, President of DBCCI attended the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during September 19 to 21, 2017 in New York Mr. Faruque Hassan, President of DBCCI joined the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during September 19 to 21, 2017 in New York, United States of America as an entourage with the Delegation of The Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. Heads of governments and states of 193 countries who

arrived in New York to attend the 72nd session of UN General Assembly joined the meeting held at the UN Headquarters (UNHQ). The high-level meeting titled “Reforming the United Nations: Management, Security, and Development” was held as a way to give momentum to Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s efforts to adopt a declaration to bring greater efficiency, accountability and transparency to the UN.

Mr. Faruque Hassan, President of DBCCI attended the “China Fashion Hangzhou Summit 2017, China during 28-29 September, 2017

Mr. Faruque Hassan, President of DBCCI attended the “CHINA FASHION Hangzhou Summit 2017”, during 28-29 at Zhejiang Merchant New Century Hotel in E-Fashion Town, Hangzhou, Chaina. the Event was organized by Chaina National Garment Association, China Fashion Association and the People’s Government of Yuhang district, Hangzhu, China. Mr. Faruque,

President of DBCCI and Senior Vice President of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Associations (BGMEA) delivered a speech on “Export Prospect & Strategies of Emerging Markets – The Bangladesh Context” on 28th September 2017 in the Summit.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

FEATURED MEMBER A. R. MALIK & CO. DBCCI Member AR Malik & Company (Pvt.) Ltd. contributing significantly in the seed market in Bangladesh AR Malik Seeds Private Limited was founded by Mr. A. R. Malik in the year of 1969. Prior to that, he served the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC, then EPADC) as a Divisional Manager for about 10 years. The company started with the activities of developing a seed market in Bangladesh from the world’s reputed foreign seed companies. They have been involved with the research based marketing of Vegetable Seeds, Seed Potatoes and other various seed items since 1982.

They have experienced and highly professional board of directors and well organized marketing networks including renowned agriculturist of the country. In addition, a successful team of experienced technical personnel, combined with a large number of Seed Distributors and Dealers with a strong network covering entire Bangladesh making this company uniquely positioned for a strong positive growth

DBCCI Member AR Malik & Company (Pvt.) Ltd. share their experience on “Seed Market in Bangladesh” in the TV program broadcasted in “Channel i” in “Hridoye Mati o Manush”

program. The program link is as below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLLxj_BjxKg&t=958s Mr. Ataus Sopan Malik, Managing Director of A. R. Malik & Company is the Honorable Director & Joint Secretary General of Dutch Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DBCCI). May A. R. Malik & Co. (pvt.) Ltd., continue to prosper & enjoy more success in future and contribute a lot to the conutry’s economy.

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

ETBL

ETBL Securities & Exchange Ltd.

Head Office: Chandrashila Suvastu Tower (9th Floor) 69/1 Panthapath, Dhaka-1205 Tel: 9641351-4, Fax: 9641285 Email: info@etblsecurities.com

Branch Office: Hussain & Khan Centre (6th Floor) 13 Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka-1000 Tel: 9569510, 9569451 Fax: 9569463

www.etblsecurities.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Mr. Ataus Sopan Malik

Managing Director A. R. Malik & Company (Pvt) Ltd. Corporate Head Office Plot# 15, Road # 2, Block-H, Sector # 2, Aftab nagar, Dhaka-1212 armalik@armalikgroup.com.bd Registered Office: 145, Siddique Bazaar, Dhaka-1000 Phone No: +8802-7126224,+8802-7111885

DUTCH-BANGLA EXPO-2016

DUTCH-BANGLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Chowdhury Associates A Concern of

KN-Harbour Consortium Ltd. An Integrated Support Service Provider

• Custom clearing • Transportation of rig materials, ODC of power plant & others • Rental equipment • Rig site preparation including rig and machinery foundation • Water well drilling, camp set up • Catering • Local rig crews, foremen, technicians, workers • Security services • Ensure medical facilities • Fuel supply for drilling operation • Heavy and light vehicles, crane, forklift • Transport for administrative support and crew change • Pest control and communication equipment • Waste management etc

Concord Tower, Level-8, Suite-804 113, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: +88 02 9350951-3 Mobile: +88 01711524158 Fax: +88 02 8837625 Email: mushtaq@kn-harbour.com

Hossain Court, 2nd Floor, 75 Agrabad C/A, Chittagong, Bangladesh Phone: +88 031 2520809, +88 031 725609 Mobile: +88 01613113439, +88 01947544614 Fax: +88 031 2520808 Email: hassan@kn-harbour.com knectg@yahoo.com Web: www.kn-harbour.com

Dutch-Bangla Chamber of Commerce & Industry