BGCCI - the business gateway to Germany and Europe

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Saiful Islam
On behalf of the members of BGCCI I would like convey my warm felicitations on the occasion of the German National Day and the 20th anniversary of German Unity. We hope that the harmonious relationship between our two countries will continue to prosper in the years to come.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Germany is on a solid growth path and has reached USD 3.2 billion in the year 2009. Last year, in spite of the world recession, exports to Germany increased by 15.6% and imports from Germany registered a growth of 12%.
Germany is our 2nd largest export destination & largest export market in Europe. Since both Germany and Bangladesh are showing healthy growth, we can expect to have more bilateral trade in the years to come.
The strong dynamism in our trade relations is also reflected in the strong growth of this chamber. Over the period of last year 100 new members joined BGCCI, one third of which are based in Germany. Today with 200 members BGCCI is proud to be the biggest, bilateral European chamber in Bangladesh.
BGCCI is putting particular emphasis on promoting German investments and joint ventures in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh right now is in a favorable position to receive more FDI: the country is enjoying social, political and macro-economic stability, which is also reflected in Standard & Poor's rating of BB. As yet, Bangladesh has a number of untapped resources, the most precious of which is its human resource. This is the ideal time for Germany to turn its attention towards Bangladesh.
BGCCI is helping those who take a new look at Bangladesh as an investment destination with their first steps. BGCCI offers professional market-research, matchmaking, mediation and marketing services. BGCCI is currently supporting a couple of German companies e.g. HeidelbergCement, Draexelmaier, Pulcra Chemicals etc. with their plans to invest over 20 million US-Dollars in Bangladesh.
Now that the world economy is starting to stabilize and FDI may pick up again, we may see a tough competition among the prospective investment destinations. Bangladesh needs to brace itself for this scenario and continue to improve its framework conditions for FDI. Not only in terms of physical infrastructure (energy and transport) but also in terms of administrative and legal aspects.
Taking into account the challenging social and environmental conditions in Bangladesh, with widespread poverty, overburdened public services in education and health and a precarious natural environment, BGCCI is promoting socially responsible business as an investment in the country's as well as the company's future. On 28th October 2010 BGCCI will hold a Conference on Global Social Responsibility. Keynote speakers will be the CEO´s from two large German companies TUEV SUED and OTTO Group Germany. We are very happy that Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus will explain his view on Social Business. Top-Managers from Bangladesh and Germany will attend this high level conference e.g. from TÜV SÜD, METRO Group, PICARD, HEIDELBERG CEMENT and BASF.
Once again I would like to wish everybody a happy German National Day. On behalf of my members and colleagues at BGCCI I hope this auspicious day brings joy to both our nations.