In an increasingly turbulent world, the continuity of cross-border trade has emerged as a critical challenge to sustaining global economic growth and prosperity.
Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Ms Maria Fernanda Garza made the remark during a reception accorded to her by ICC Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday. Ms Garza arrived in Bangladesh on Saturday on a three-day visit.
The reception programme served as a platform for discussion on various trade-related issues, highlighting the significance of cross-border trade in today's dynamic landscape.
Mahbubur Rahman, President of ICC Bangladesh, warmly welcomed Ms. Garza to Dhaka and underscored the ICC's mission of making business work for everyone, every day and everywhere.
He highlighted the ICC's influential role in shaping international trade rules and its consultative status with global bodies.
This year, ICC Bangladesh celebrated the ICC Court Centenary, emphasizing its activities focused on foreign trade promotion, trade policy reviews, legal reforms, and cross-border business standards, he said.
Mr Rahman said Bangladesh's remarkable economic growth, transitioning from a least developed nation to a developing one by 2026, positions itself as the 35th largest economy globally.
He lauded the government's commitment to regulatory reforms, emphasising the pivotal role of the private sector in infrastructure, energy, and natural resource investments.
Ms Garza's visit highlighted the ICC's mission, which originated after World War I with the vision to harness business's power for the betterment of the world, said Mr Rahman.
Ms Garza stressed the importance of cross-border commerce in today's uncertain global landscape where cross-border trade remains essential for economic growth.
Cybersecurity and global cooperation emerged as central themes, given our interconnected world, with practical policies and private sector initiatives essential for maintaining cybersecurity, she said.
Ms Garza also emphasised the ICC's leading role in shaping the reform of the multilateral system, including advocating for climate action, environmental preservation, global rules, and digitalisation.
Business engagement at the highest levels was seen as vital for achieving these objectives, she observed.
The importance of unity within the business community and the role of the ICC in shaping global policies were also highlighted by Ms Garza, also chief executive officer of global manufacturing company Orestia.
She praised Bangladesh's progress, acknowledging its determination, unity, and resilience in the face of various challenges, and expressed her commitment to promoting Bangladesh on the global stage.
Salman F Rahman, Prime Minister's Adviser for Private Industry and Investment, expressed optimism about Bangladesh's development projects and improved traffic conditions.
He highlighted the unique status of the ICC as the only private sector organisation accredited to the United Nations.
He also highlighted Bangladesh's significant economic growth under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, with a thriving agricultural sector and private sector success stories.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi highlighted the productive discussions on trade and investment collaboration with Ms Garza, focusing on the recent discussions during his Mexico visit.
He also noted the ICC's role in promoting a free-market economy and collaborating with governments and international institutions, including the UN.
The minister underscored Bangladesh's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and its transition to a middle-income country by 2026 through key infrastructure projects.
ICC Vice President Naser Ezaz Bijoy delivered the welcome address, emphasising the significance of ICC members in the global economy and their contributions to Bangladesh's progress and prosperity under their leadership.
Ms Garza's visit reaffirmed the ICC's commitment to global economic development, cooperation, and unity, celebrating Bangladesh's achievements and resilience in the face of global challenges, he said.
Ms Garza assumed the ICC Chair role in Paris for the period from July 2022 to June 2024 and is associated with the B20 and United Nations Internet Governance Forum.
The dignitaries who attended the event included KM Hasan, former Chief Justice of Bangladesh; Syed Manzur Elahi, Chairman, Apex Footwear Limited; ICCB Executive Board Members Abdul Hai Sarker, Aftab Ul Islam, Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Md Fazlul Hoque, Mir Nasir Hossain, Mohammad Hatem, Sheikh Kabir Hossain, Simeen Rahman and Tapan Chowdhury; DCCI President Md Sameer Sattar, and CCCI President Omar Hazzaz.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, Managing Director & CEO, Mutual Trust Bank Limited; Humaira Azam, Managing Director & CEO, Trust Bank; Mohammad Shamsul Islam, Managing Director, National Housing Finance and Investments; Md. Abdul Haque, FCA, Managing Director, Eastland Insurance Company Limited; Khawza Manzer Nadeem, Managing Director, United Insurance Company Limited; Nihad Kabir, Bar-at-Law, Senior Partner, Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed & Associates; Mohammed Abdul Jabbar, Managing Director, DBL Ceramics Ltd.; ATM Tariquzzaman, CPA. Managing Director, Dhaka Stock Exchange Ltd.; Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director, Green Textile Limited; Syed Ershad Ahmed, CM & Managing Director, Expeditors (Bangladesh) Ltd.; Rachel Wu, Managing Director, LSI Industries Ltd.; Anis A. Khan, Advisor to the Board, Tyser Risk Management Bangladesh Limited; Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director, Unilever Bangladesh Limited; Md. Abdul Karim, Independent Director, Eastland Insurance Company Ltd.; Zaidi Sattar, Chairman, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh; Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh; Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Md. Ahsan Ullah, Supernumerary Professor, BIBM; Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The Daily Star; Shamsul Huq Zahid, Editor, The Financial Express; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor, The Daily Banik Barta; Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, Former Managing Director, Pubali Bank Limited; Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director, Eastern Bank Limited; M Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Simone Parchment, Deputy Country Director, World Food Programme (WFP); Elisa Cortes Gil, UNICEF Bangladesh; Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Bangladesh, Standard Chartered Bank; and Ataur Rahman, Secretary General, ICC Bangladesh; were also present.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com