More than 800 representatives from government agencies, development partners, businesses, contractors, consultants, suppliers and financial institutions gathered in Dhaka on Wednesday as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosted a Business Opportunities Seminar to highlight opportunities arising from ADB-financed and World Bank-financed projects in Bangladesh.
The seminar provided information on upcoming investment programmes, procurement opportunities, private sector operations and avenues for participation in development projects, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and engagement in the country’s development agenda.
S M Moin Uddin Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority, and Sangita Ahmed, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also participated in the event.
Akira Matsunaga, deputy country director (officer in charge) of the ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission, Jean Pesme, division director for Bangladesh and Bhutan at the World Bank, and S M Jakaria Huq, additional secretary and ADB Wing chief of the Economic Relations Division, addressed participants during the opening session.
“Bangladesh’s development ambitions will require not only financing, but also strong partnerships and effective implementation,” Matsunaga said in a press statement.
“Forums such as today’s seminar help strengthen collaboration among government, development partners, and the private sector to deliver sustainable development outcomes,” he said.
Pesme highlighted the importance of cooperation among development partners, government institutions and the private sector in supporting Bangladesh’s next phase of development.
Jakaria Huq reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, fair competition and the effective implementation of projects financed by development partners.
According to ADB, the seminar served as a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, helping participants gain a better understanding of forthcoming opportunities and the processes required to engage effectively in development-financed projects.
The multilateral lender also reiterated its commitment to supporting greater private sector participation and strengthening partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient development in Bangladesh.
ADB, founded in 1966, is owned by 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific. The institution supports inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth across the region through financing, infrastructure investment and strategic partnerships.
