First ever China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award

International desk

23 Dec 2023, 18:14

In a celebration of bilateral trade and mutual prosperity, 27 companies were recognized at the “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023” for their remarkable contributions toward fostering economic ties in these two countries. Fifteen winners were Bangladeshi enterprises, while twelve stemmed from China, a testament to the vitality of the business connections that have blossomed under the Belt and Road Initiative’s decade of operation.

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The award ceremony, meticulously organized by the Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB), took place at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on 21 December 2023. The event shed light on the prosperous synergy emerging between the two nations, spotlighting the role of successful companies in this blossoming partnership.

Present at this event were high-ranking officials such as H.E. Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh; Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Anowar Hossain, the Additional Secretary of ERD, amongst others. The Chinese Ambassador emphasised the crucial function of political leaders in steering the course of bilateral relations. He highlighted how recent interactions between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have breathed fresh life into these ties, setting in motion a new phase of cooperation.

It was also marked that China has consistently remained Bangladesh’s most significant trading partner for 13 years running, and the largest source of imports. The ambassador spoke of the decreased trade deficit with China by 16%, pointing towards an effective improvement in dealing with the trade imbalance. Additionally, China has proved to be a predominant source of foreign direct investment for Bangladesh, amounting to a stock of 3.17 billion US dollars as of September.

Mr. Ke Changliang, President of the CEAB, spoke of the burgeoning economic rapport between China and Bangladesh, signifying a foundation for shared benefit and prosperity. He spoke of the CEAB members’ profound impact on the region, providing upwards of a half a million direct jobs to local individuals, therefore, emphasizing the enterprises’ commitment to responsible and positive business practices.

The China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023 not only celebrates the triumphs of the awarded companies but also marks the decade-long journey of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This esteemed event serves as recognition of the firm alliances built over this period and the promising growth that lies ahead in the realm of Chinese-Bangladeshi bilateral trade relations. The vibrancy and vigor with which these ties continue to flourish, stand true to the spirit of mutual growth and shared success.

A total of 27 companies, 15 from Bangladesh and 12 from China, have won the “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award 2023” for their outstanding performance in boosting the bilateral trade between the two countries during the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. This is the first ever such type of program happened in Bangladesh.

To strengthen the consistent sustainable development of Bangladesh; Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) have formed a bilateral committee to organize China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award which shall held every year from now on to boost the Bangladesh-China business cooperation.

Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) recently established eight specialized industrial branches under the guidance of H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh; which are as follows- Power and Energy, Road and Bridge, Railway and Civil Aviation, Water and Environment, Marine and Harbour, Information and Communication Technology, Textile and Garment, Trade and Services. Every specialized branch underscores the dedication to actively contributing to key sectors essential for the advancement of Bangladesh. Even the above stated branches are the strong monument of bilateral cooperation between both the countries- China and Bangladesh.

In the coming years, apart from the 8 industries mentioned before CEAB will further nourish renewable energy, ICT, smart agriculture, and green Infrastructure sectors in Bangladesh for sustainable development following the vision of Smart Bangladesh.

In the 1^st China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award program 2023, for awards nomination and final selection the committee has prioritized in category aspects as above stated the eight industrial branches where the awarded organizations actively contributing to key sectors essential for the advancement of Bangladesh: Power and Energy, Road and Bridge, Railway and Civil Aviation, Water and Environment, Marine and Harbour, Information and Communication Technology, Textile and Garment, Trade and Services. Besides these, the committee has recognized in four more categories of award for Bilateral Business Excellence Award for Women, SME Rising Star, CSR and Significant Contribution which have great impact in business and civil society eventually in the country’s ultimate development.

Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) always encourages the strong presence of women in the business community. One Chinese and one Bangladeshi female recipient of the Bilateral Business Excellence Award for Women serve as inspirations to countless others, breaking barriers and paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. While many Chinese enterprises boast a robust financial foundation, it also will acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of two small and medium enterprises, one from Bangladesh and one from China, to recognize their contribution and to inspire further growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The bilateral committee which is jointly formed by BCCCI and CEAB is committed to organize “China-Bangladesh Business Excellence Award” annually to boost the Bangladesh-China business cooperation.

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