DHAKA, Oct 26, 2021 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated

the weeklong "Bangladesh Trade and Investment Summit-2021" that is bringing
together policymakers, business leaders and investors from the world.

  The premier opened the summit at Bangabandhu International Conference
Center (BICC) joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban here
this morning.

  The summit aims to showcase Bangladesh's preparedness during the COVID-19
pandemic to the investors and entrepreneurs.

  As part of the celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the country's
Independence, Ministry of Commerce and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(DCCI) are jointly hosting this international virtual Summit.

  Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, earlier in a press briefing, said this
summit is a remarkable example of the public private partnership (PPP) model
which will help Bangladesh showcase and take necessary measures in
formulating new policies for a developed economy.

  He said in recent years Bangladesh made notable progress especially in
electricity generation and infrastructure development which is an added
advantage to attract foreign trade and investment.

  The minister hoped Bangladesh Trade and Investment Summit-2021 will be a
great platform to connect the traders and investors from the world.

  The summit includes nine sectors underscoring critical enablers and avenues
of the economy, seeking massive investments especially in Infrastructure
(Physical, logistics and Energy), IT/ITES and FINTECH, Leather goods,
Pharmaceuticals, Automotive and Light Engineering, Plastic products, Agro and
Food Processing, Jute and Textiles and FMCG (Fast-moving consumer goods) and
retail business.

  A total of 552 companies from 38 countries along with Bangladesh of five
continents will participate in 450 business to business (B2B) match-making
sessions, which will help explore new business opportunities and attract FDI
in Bangladesh.

  The minister also informed that six webinars on different trade and
investment related issues will be organized, where representatives from the
business community, experts from local and international and Policy makers
will participate to put their insights on these issues.