A two-day nation-branding event styled 'Best of Bangladesh Europe' kicked off in Amsterdam on Monday.
The programme was co-hosted by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) with support from Embassy of Bangladesh, Ministry of Commerce and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) in association with PDS, reads a statement.
Quoting commerce minister Tipu Munshi, it said, "Bangladesh has travelled distance in the past half century. Emerging from a brutal war of independence and the constraints or limitations, aspiration - innovation - resilience of the people reached us to a stage of stability and robust growth."
Michiel Sweers, the Netherlands vice-minister of foreign economic relations, said, "On behalf of the government of the Netherlands, I welcome you all and thank you for choosing Amsterdam as the location of 'Best of Bangladesh'."
"I believe dialogues here in the Best of Bangladesh will accelerate the momentum of sustainable business."
State minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam said "The presence of some of the best of our entrepreneurs under one roof in Westergas speaks of the coming of the age of the drive and innovation of our private sector."
"… They are increasingly keen to step into many other sectors. As much as business, they are here also to tap into niche technology or innovation with the Dutch or European peers," he added.
Prof Jan Peter Balkenende, minister of state and former prime minister of the Netherlands, in his video message put emphasis on the Netherlands and Bangladesh cooperation for sustainable growth.
Mostafiz Uddin, founder and CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, said the 'Best of Bangladesh Europe' was a testament to Bangladesh's ability in sustainable and responsible manufacturing.
M Riaz Hamidullah, ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, also spoke.
Three memorandums of understanding were signed during the inaugural ceremony for the development of industries of Bangladesh.
More than 35 companies, including apparel, textiles, agriculture and handicraft, have participated in the event to display their products.
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