Exciting Cross-Border Connections at the India-Bangladesh Business Leaders' Meet 2023!

We're thrilled to Present the highlights of the impactful "India-Bangladesh Business Leaders' Meet," a dynamic three-day event that ignited innovation, collaboration, and growth prospects between these two nations. From August 6th to 8th, 2023, Dhaka, Bangladesh, became a hub of diverse minds, forging new paths of cooperation.

Led by Dr. Rajeev Singh , Director General of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), a prominent delegation spanned private and public sectors, including Energy, Healthcare, Education, and Agri-Horti & Food Processing.

Following the recent BIMSTEC Conclave in Kolkata on June 15th, 2023, this visit underscores ongoing efforts to foster inter-country ties. Indian companies explore opportunities in these sectors to leverage India's expertise, benefiting neighboring countries.

Bangladesh is India's largest trade partner in South Asia, while India ranks second in Bangladesh's trade partners in Asia. The 2022-23 trade volume reached USD 14 billion, with India exporting USD 12 billion and importing USD 2 billion.

Indian businesses are keenly investing in Bangladesh due to its favorable investment policies. This visit aims to explore opportunities and establish operations, cementing the ties between both nations.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Power & Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Agri-Business

Diplomacy, innovation, and economic synergies took center stage as the Indian delegation, representing four pivotal sectors, embarked on a journey to strengthen bilateral ties. The delegation, spanning Power & Energy, Education, Healthcare & Medical Tourism, and Agri-Business & Food Processing, showcased the prowess and potential of each sector. This diverse lineup set the stage for a holistic exploration of cross-border opportunities.

Power & Energy: Illuminating Pathways to Progress

The inaugural session of the sectoral conferences of the Indian delegation to Bangladesh was on Energy Sector in the BIMSTEC region. This South Asian region, home to BIMSTEC nations, boasts abundant resources like sunlight, minerals, coal, iron ore, lithium, oil, and gas.

The Power & Energy discussions centered on collaboration, joint ventures, and knowledge sharing. India's expertise and Bangladesh's potential aim to create sustainable energy solutions for a shared future.

The ICC BIMSTEC Energy Conclave was inaugurated by distinguished figures including Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI) , and Mr. Faisal Khan, Managing Director of Summit Group from Bangladesh. Other attendees included Mr. Syeed Akramullah of BIFPCL , NTPC Limited , Mr. Rajat Gupta of NHPC Limited , Mr. Rabiul Alam of MKK Logistics , and Md Nurul Amin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission . Diplomatic representatives from Myanmar and Bhutan, H.E. Aung Kyaw Moe and H.E. Mr. Jigdrel Y. Tshering respectively, were also present. H.E. Mr. Tenzin Lekphell, Secretary General of BIMSTEC , and the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr. Pranay Verma, High Commissioner of India, added to the event's significance. The conclave concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Rajeev Singh Director General of the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

The Plenary sessions covered:

• Energy Generation, Installation & Transmission - Electrical, Petroleum & Gas
• Energy Distribution & Marketing - Power Distribution Companies

Key Speakers included:

• Mr. Gokarna Raj Pantha , Secretary Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nepal
• Mr. Rajesh Kumar Mediratta, MD & CEO, IGX
• Mr. Atanu Dutta, Executive Director, NTPC Limited & Project Director BIFPCL
• Mr. Harish Saran , Executive Director, PTC India Limited

Key points discussed:

? Hydropower Trading: Bangladesh's representative suggested trading hydropower surplus from Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar during their excess months to alleviate Bangladesh's power shortages. H.E. Aung Kyaw Moe and H.E. Mr. Jigdrel Y. Tshering expressed mutual interest in advancing this hydropower trade.

? Common Electricity Grid: BIMSTEC countries proposed creating a shared electricity grid through bilateral and trilateral energy cooperation agreements, fostering regional collaboration.

? Energy Cooperation Progress: Chief Guest H.E. Mr. Pranay Verma, High Commissioner of India, highlighted the energy cooperation's growth, crediting Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina. India invested in Bangladesh's energy sector, including a 1320 MW power plant, transmission lines, and the Jamalpur Soura Vidyut solar plant. An Indian oil pipeline enabled 10 lakh tonnes of diesel trade.

During their visit to Dhaka, the ICC delegation engaged in B2B meetings hosted by Bangladesh's key chambers - India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI) , FBCCI , and DCCI. These meetings aimed to uncover diverse cross-border trade and investment prospects, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of ongoing trade relations.

Delegation members also held discussions with Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressing challenges in cross-border trade. They agreed to share case studies on implementing technological upgrades in electricity grids, showcasing India's successes. This knowledge exchange aims to benefit Bangladesh and other interested BIMSTEC countries.

Furthermore, the ICC BIMSTEC Energy conference garnered significant media attention, with coverage by 80 print and electronic outlets, highlighting the event's significance.

Education: Empowering Minds, Bridging Futures

In the realm of Education, partnerships emerged for knowledge exchange, curriculum sharing, and research collaboration. This dynamic synergy empowers youth, driving progress and nurturing a global perspective.

The Education Sector Delegation and Indian Bangladesh Education Forum aimed to discuss Student & Faculty Exchange Programs, Research & Faculty Development Best Practices, Digital Learning & Placement Collaborations, and Upskilling & Training.

Comprising both public and private organizations, the Education Sector engaged with Bangladesh's academia and government agencies. The focus was on research, development, and exchange initiatives for students and faculty.

Highlights included visits to Dhaka International University , Shahbag, Daffodil International University-DIU , Buet , and United International University . Activities also encompassed the ICC Education Forum on "India Bangladesh Education Sector Collaboration," B2B meetings with institutions, universities, and India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IBCCI) members, followed by a networking dinner.

The India-Bangladesh Education Forum featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including:

• Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury , Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee on Higher Education & Training and Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University , India
• Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder, and Chairman, Daffodil International University-DIU & Daffodil Family, Bangladesh
• Prof. Satya Prasad Majumder, Vice Chancellor, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh
• Prof. Dr. Sibaram Khara, Vice Chancellor, Sharda University , India
• Ms. Sriranjani Joshi, Director & Trustee, George Group of Colleges , India
• Mr. Chandan Majumdar, CEO, RICE ADAMAS Group & Adamas University , India
• Prof. Dr. Soumitra Sekhar Dey, Vice Chancellor, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU), Bangladesh
• Prof. Dr. Anupam Basu, Pro Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University India & Former Director, NIIT Limited Durgapur, India
• Prof. (Dr.) K G Suresh, Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal , India
• Prof. Dr. Shireen Akhter, Vice Chancellor, University of Chittagong , Bangladesh
• Mr. Bidyut Majumdar , GM – Business Development, JIS Group of Institutions, India
• Dr. Farid A. Sobhani, President, Bangladesh Society for Private University Academics (BSPUA)
• Dr. B Abdul Rafeeq, Director – Corporate Affairs, GURU KASHI UNIVERSITY Naac A++ , India
• Dr. A K M Muzahidul Islam, Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, & Director, Centre for International Affairs & Cooperation, United International University , Dhaka
• Prof. @Ujjwal A Chowdhury, Executive Director, International Online University & Advisor, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh

Moreover, the delegation included other prominent figures, such as Ms. Ina Bose , Director - Industry Relations & Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, IPR, Innovation & Incubation, Sister Nivedita University | Ms. Sudeshna Seal , Deputy Registrar, Om Dayal Group of Institutions | Dr. Himangshu Shekhar Maji, Dean Academics, JIS Group Educational Initiatives | Mr. Srikiran Yalamanchali , VP-Business Development & Account Management, Trigyn Technologies . | Ms. Sriranjani Joshi, Director, and Trustee, George Group of Colleges | Ms. Smita Chatterji , CEO, Centreax Technologies | Dr. Sunny Arora, Director Admissions, GURU KASHI UNIVERSITY Naac A++ , Bathinda, Punjab | Dr. B Abdul Rafeeq, Director Corporate Affairs, GURU KASHI UNIVERSITY Naac A++ , Bathinda, Punjab | Dr. Ashok Daryani, President - International Relations, Sharda Group | Mr. Anirban Aditya , Chairman, Aditya Group.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) Executed during the India-Bangladesh Education Forum.

• Collaboration established between Sister Nivedita University and University of Chittagong .

• In a move towards educational synergy, Sister Nivedita University joined hands with Daffodil International University-DIU .

• Crossing borders of knowledge, George Group of Colleges , India, and Daffodil International University-DIU , Bangladesh, inked a pact of cooperation.

• Bridging nations through academia, GURU KASHI UNIVERSITY Naac A++ , and Daffodil International University-DIU , Bangladesh, embarked on a collaborative journey.

Sister Nivedita University forges an educational alliance with INTERNATIONAL ONLINE UNIVERSITY in Bangladesh, fostering cross-border intellectual growth.

• Geographical boundaries lose significance as Sharda University , India, and INTERNATIONAL ONLINE UNIVERSITY in Bangladesh, united their academic endeavors.

In this saga of educational synergy, the Education Sector Delegation and the Indian Bangladesh Education Forum have sparked a new era of transformative learning, global networking, and collaborative growth.

Healthcare & Medical Tourism: Nurturing Wellness Beyond Borders

Healthcare transcends borders, as seen in the India-Bangladesh Healthcare Forum. It fostered collaborative healthcare services and medical tourism, enhancing accessibility and sharing best practices for healthier societies.

India's healthcare sector rapidly expands due to government policies, aiming to establish the nation as a global health and wellness hub. Foreign investment prospects abound, especially in areas like hospitals, medical devices, and health insurance. Notably, up to 100% foreign direct investment is allowed for hospital construction and brownfield projects with government approval. Medical tourism is robust, with a significant number from Bangladesh seeking advanced treatments in fields like cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, and nephrology. India offers world-class healthcare infrastructure and exceptional outcomes at a competitive cost.

The recent ICC delegation visit bolstered the medical tourism partnership between both nations and explores further collaborations. The delegation aimed to understand investment prospects in South Asian economies and foster collaboration during their Bangladesh visit.

The India Bangladesh Healthcare Forum involved distinguished figures discussing International Doctor & Student Exchanges, Medical Tourism, Patient Satisfaction, Cost-effectiveness, Patient Safety, Healthcare Collaborations, and Investments. The delegation attended the forum, visited medical facilities, met with associations and officials, and engaged in B2B meetings, strengthening the healthcare bond between India and Bangladesh.

Representatives hailing from India encompassed:

• Mr. Prashant Sharma, MD, Charnock Hospital ; Chairman, ICC National Healthcare Committee
• Ms. Richa S Debgupta, Sr. VP – Strategy, Fortis Healthcare ; Co-Chair, ICC National Healthcare Committee
• Dr. Ajay Kohli , Group Head - Oncology & Quaternary Initiatives, Narayana Health Mr. Saumik Dasgupta , Head - International Marketing, Narayana Health Dr. Ramakant Deshpande, Executive Chairman, Asian Cancer Institute - Cumbala Hill Dr. Rahul Bajpai, Group Head & CEO, Asian Cancer Institute – Cumbala Hill
• Mr. Sajal Dutta, CMD, Desun Hospitals
• Prof. Dr. Sanku Bose, Group CEO, Techno India Group
• Mr. Ravindra Pai, Deputy Managing Director, Peerless Hospital & B K Roy Research Center
• Ms. Ardra Kurien, Chief Strategic Management Officer, Rajagiri Hospital Kochi
• Ms. Paulami Sengupta , Founder & Director, PNC-Transforming Vision Into Digital Success

Representatives from Bangladesh comprised of Mr. Zahid Maleque, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, Hon’ble State Minister of Disaster Management & Relief, People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Chairman, Enam Medical College, Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain Howlader, Secretary, Healthcare Division, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Prof. Dr. Abul Bashar Md. Kurshid Alam, Director General of Health Services, People’s Republic of Bangladesh among others.

Key highlights of the visit included:

Universal Medical College & Hospital Ltd. , Bangladesh's upcoming collaborations with Asian Cancer Institute , Mumbai, and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre , Kochi. Enam Medical College & Hospital , Bangladesh's interest in partnership with Fortis Healthcare .Tourism Operators Association of Bangladesh fostering strong ties with Indian Hospitals.The Health Ministry of Bangladesh showed eagerness for collaboration, short-term visits, and skill training with Indian doctors.

Agri-Business & Food Processing: Cultivating Growth Together

In the realm of economic strength, Agriculture holds paramount importance for India and Bangladesh. Recognizing the potential for growth in Agri-Business & Food Processing, these nations, notably Bangladesh as India's largest trading partner within South Asia, have been cultivating cooperation. The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has diligently worked with Bangladeshi Chambers and Government agencies, fostering bilateral ties over the years.

In furtherance of our commitment to BIMSTEC engagement and trade enhancement, we led an Agri-Horti & Food Processing Delegation to Bangladesh. This joint effort aimed to bolster collaboration in foundational sectors, laying the groundwork for future commercial progress. Comprising both government and private entities, the delegation engaged with Agri-Horti, Food Processing, Spices, and Beverages Importers, Exporters, and Entrepreneurs. This dialogue seeks to amplify trade, explore shared interests, and modernize farming practices for improved food security.

This initiative's objectives included:

• Exploring cutting-edge Research & Development for enhanced cropping techniques from Indian and Bangladeshi viewpoints.
• Understanding productivity enhancement by identifying challenges, constraints, and opportunities in Bangladesh's Agri-Horti & Food sector.
• Crafting a roadmap for promoting North East Agri-Horti & Food products in Bangladesh.
• Familiarizing with advanced High Tech Farming Practices employed in Bangladesh.
• Investigating irrigation methods, soil health management, and modern approaches to Agri-Horti & Food Processing, such as Organic Farming.
• Engaging with Bangladesh Government Officials, Importers, and Sectoral Associations, and arranging B2B Meetings.

This collaborative effort underscored both nations' dedication to enhancing economic ties and sharing expertise to advance agricultural practices and regional food security.

The Indian delegation included prominent organizations and government officials, such as:

• Smt. Dolly Khonglah, Meghalaya International Exporters Chamber of Commerce (MIECC)
• Shri Triranga Bharatiya Borah, Director - Directorate of Horticulture & Food Processing, Govt. of Assam
• Smt. Thera Ch Marak, District Horticulture Officer - Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Meghalaya
• BioResources Development Centre (BRDC), Govt. of Meghalaya

Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board , Govt. of Meghalaya, among others

Noteworthy personalities and organizations from Bangladesh included:

• Shri Anwar Faruk, Former Agriculture Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Bangladesh
• Shri Nur Ahamed Khondaker, Ph.D., Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, FAO Representation in Bangladesh
• Dr. Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, Director General (C&W), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt. of Bangladesh
• IBCCI | FBCCI | DCCI and many more

?Key Takeaways:

• The India Bangladesh Agri-Horti & Food Processing Forum played a pivotal role in bolstering trade between North East India and Bangladesh, yielding positive results.
• A significant achievement was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Radiant Infonet Private Limited (India) and Nazabi Group (Bangladesh). This MoU outlines a joint venture for producing Spices, Agricultural Products, Vegetables, and Fruits.
• A collaborative endeavor is underway for establishing a Joint Venture Food Park in Chatok, Sunamganj, Sylhet. This project involves a Tk. 40.00 Crore investment (75% from Bangladesh, 25% from India), focusing on packaging and exporting. Furthermore, an initial processing unit is planned for Barak Valley, with an INR 40.00 Crore investment (75% from India, 25% from Bangladesh).

Looking Ahead: Collaborative Prosperity

The India-Bangladesh Business Leaders' Meet acted as a precursor to forthcoming success stories. With partnerships thriving across sectors, these nations have charted a path toward shared progress, sustainable development, and collaborative prosperity.

Heartfelt Gratitude

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Bangladesh government, Bangladeshi thought leaders, industrialists, and Indian representatives for their invaluable support in orchestrating this remarkable visit. The chance to come together, discuss, and collaborate reflects the vibrant spirit of both nations.

Stay tuned as we witness the seeds of collaboration sown at this meet flourish into transformative ventures that will shape the trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations.

#IndiaBangladeshMeet #BilateralCollaboration #SharedProsperity

Follow us for more updates??