SCCI Conference on “Advancing Global and Regional Trade & Investment” convenes in Dhaka, Bangladesh
September 18, 2025 at The Westin Dhaka
SCCI organized a high-level conference on “Advancing Global and Regional Trade & Investment” with the objective of fostering regional economic integration, promoting trade facilitation, and identifying emerging opportunities for cross-border investment amid evolving global economic dynamics. The conference was held in collaboration with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) on September 18, 2025, at The Westin Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The event was graced with the presence of Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Bhavesh R. Trivedi, Director (Economy, Trade and Finance), SAARC Secretariat, as the Guest of Honor.
The inaugural session was addressed by Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, President, SCCI, Mr. Bhavesh R. Trivedi, Director (Economy, Trade and Finance), SAARC Secretariat; and Dr. Rohitha Silva, Vice President, SCCI (Sri Lanka). Mr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator, FBCCI, welcomed the participants and esteemed delegates.
Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin in his address expressed strong optimism about strengthening regional cooperation, stating, “I see huge opportunities for collaboration between South Asian nations.” He opined that intra-regional trade in South Asia remains significantly low, urging all member nations to identify the root causes of this disparity. He called for collective regional efforts to address tariff and non-tariff barriers, strengthen mutual trust, and enhance automation in business systems.
The conference comprised of two technical sessions titled “Emerging Trends in Global Politics and Implications in the Global Economic Order” and “Increasing South Asia Economic Cooperation: Options for Enhancing Connectivity, Trade and Investments”.
The first technical session was panelists comprised of Mr. Chandi Raj Dhakal, Vice President, SCCI (Nepal), Mr. Showkat Aziz Russell, President, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Mr. AtifIkram Sheikh, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), and Mr. Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President, BGMEA. The session was moderated by Mr. Syed Almas Kabir, General Assembly Member, SCCI.
The second technical session was addressed by panelists Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, Dr. FahmidaKhatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Mr. Anwar UlAlam Chowdhury Parvez, President, BCI, Mr. Muhammad Wasif, Chargé d'Affaires, High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Dhaka; Dr. Rohitha Silva, Vice President, SCCI (Sri Lanka), and Mr. MianAnjum Nisar, Vice President, SCCI (Pakistan). The session was moderated by Mr. Amzad Hussain, Chairman, SCCI Young Entrepreneurs Forum.
Panelists collectively emphasized the urgent need for policy coherence, institutional reforms, and regional coordination to enhance economic resilience. Key themes included addressing political and economic uncertainty, reducing high trading costs, improving connectivity and logistics, and modernizing trade-related institutions. The sessions also highlighted the importance of regional value chain integration, increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), public-private partnerships, and stronger support for SMEs and cottage industries as drivers of inclusive growth.
The conference concluded with a collective call for deeper regional collaboration, policy harmonization, and enhanced public-private partnerships to advance South Asia’s integration into the global economy. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to work under the SCCI framework to promote trade, investment, and connectivity for a more prosperous and economically resilient South Asia.