FE Report
Finnish companies are keen to expand businesses with Bashundhara Group focusing on engineering, technology, energy and sustainable development, says the envoy of the North European country.
"Bashundhara Group already has cooperation with a number of Finnish companies, which we are eager to expand," said Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta during a visit to Bashundhara Industrial Headquarters in Dhaka on Wednesday, according to a media release.
During the visit, Ambassador Kimmo led a Finnish delegation which includes Coolbrook Project Director Srinivasan Sriramulu, Sandeep Kumar of Elematic, Konecranes Country Director Ratan Biswas, Mirasys Managing Director Arindam Das Sarkar, Routa Digital Chief Executive Officer Kumar Abhijit, Saiful Islam of Wartsila, Wirepas Regional Head Maruthi Mallepalli, Antti Herlevi and liris Määttä from Finland Embassy, Business Finland Regional Director Gitta Perez, Päivi Mähönen and Dharmesh Sharan.
Bashundhara Group Sector-C Chief Operating Officer Shahed Zahid welcomed the delegation.
Talking to the media after the meeting, the envoy mentioned that the Finnish delegation had a bilateral consultation with the interim government on Tuesday.
"We also have a business delegation to discuss economic issues between Finland and Bangladesh. We have come to Bashundhara Group today (Wednesday) for an important meeting," he added.
He said that the meeting focused on technology, sustainable construction, engineering, energy and sustainable development. "ICT and sustainable development are two areas where Finland has strength," When asked if there is any investment plan, the envoy said, "It's too early to say."
After the meeting, COO Shahed Zahid said that the Finnish delegates have discussed possible aspects of collaboration with Bashundhara Group.
"Basically, our discussion is about paper, cement sectors, pre-cast building and other news areas. They are very interested in helping us. They have talked about technology transfer on cement sector to replace the fossil fuel-based system with electric process, that is very promising," he said.
Zahid further mentioned that Bangladesh has a lack of cheap funding at this moment where Finnish government can collaborate with them through bilateral investment framework.
"We have diversified industries. One of the main agenda of the meeting is cost-effective funding. We are optimistic about the discussion," The Finnish delegate has an interest in sharing their equipment in paper, chemical, technology and medical sector.
Bashundhara Group senior DMD Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Managing Director KM Zahid Uddin and other high officials were also present.
