High thoughts on Asia\\\'s potential to spur global economy expected

The upcoming ICC international conference in Dhaka is set to have very high-profile discussions by experts on harnessing Asia's untapped potential for spurring the global economy.

A good number of experts, policymakers and business leaders from across the world have consented to attend the business meet, organisers have said.

The two-day conference on "Global Economic Recovery: Asian Perspective" begins Saturday (October 25).

The National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a world business organisation, will arrange it at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) and the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

President of ICC Bangladesh (ICCB) Mahbubur Rahman communicated the update on their preparation for holding the international event at a press briefing in the city Wednesday.

Chief coordinator of the ICC international conference and former president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Asif Ibrahim made a presentation on their latest preparation to host the meet.

The press beefing was attended, among others, by ICC Executive Board Member R. Maksud Khan, American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh President Aftab ul Islam and Eastland Insurance Executive Vice Chairman Golam Rahman.

Mr Mahbubur Rahman at the press briefing said that President Md Abdul Hamid consented to inaugurate the two-day conference as the chief guest.

Finance Minister Abul Maal A Muhith, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi will be special guests.

Minister of Economic Affairs of Bhutan Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk, Commerce and Supplies Minister of Nepal Sunil Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Industries and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen MP, Deputy Minister for Commerce of Myanmar Dr. Pwint San and Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr. Atiur Rahman will join the plenary session.

ICC vice-chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, ICC Secretary-General John Danilovich, Fung Group Chairman and ICC Research Foundation Chairman Dr Victor K Fung and President of Chaudhary Group Binod K Chaudhary will also attend the conference as special guests.

Mr Mahbubur Rahman said that the conference would focus on four topics. These are 'Global Economic Recovery: Contemporary Reality', 'Asian Growth: Realities and Challenges', 'Trade: Does the Bali Outcome Hold Promise for the Future?', and 'Promoting Investment in Asia'.

A number of experts, business leaders and professionals from home and abroad will present deliberations on these themes in three business sessions.

Apart from the dignitary speakers, the conference is expected to be attended by more than 500 delegates. They include ministers, industry and business leaders, experts, economists, ICC leaders and academics from home and abroad.

Co-organisers of the event include FBCCI, DCCI, MCCI, CCCI, FICCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, BIA, ICAB and NCCI.

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) and Standard Chartered Bank Premium are partners.

The sponsors are AK Khan Group, Dutch Bangla Bank, Hameem Group, KAFCO, Square Pharmaceuticals, Transcom and Youngone Corporation.

Co-sponsors are AB Bank, Eastland Insurance, Envoy Textile Ltd., East Coast Group, Green Delta Insurance Ltd, Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd, National Housing, NAVANA, Prime Bank, Pragati Insurance Ltd, Rupali Insurance, Sadharan Bima Corporation, Singer Bangladesh and The Merchants Ltd.

Supporters of the conference are Abdul Monem Ltd, Berger, Bank Alfalah, Duncan Brothers, Evince Group, IIDFC, Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Mobil, Reliance Insurance and Summit Alliance.

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