MCCI seeks Swedish support in sustainable LDC graduation

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has sought Sweden’s support in Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

MCCI President Md Saiful Islam made the request during a meeting with Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde at the MCCI office in Dhaka on Wednesday, the trade body said in a statement on Thursday.

In the meeting, MCCI highlighted Bangladesh’s success over the years in its socio-economic development. Saiful Islam recounted the country’s excitement for qualifying to graduate to the developing country club in 2026. However, he was also worried about the challenges associated with sustainable graduation. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Bangladesh has been able to withstand the difficulties boldly due to prudent fiscal and other policy support rendered by the government during the last two years. He requested Sweden’s support in Bangladesh’s sustainable graduation.

Saiful Islam thanked the Ambassador for visiting the MCCI’s office. He appreciated the bilateral relationship between Sweden and Bangladesh and hoped it would continue to improve further.

Ambassador Alexandra Berg von Linde mentioned that the year 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh-Sweden relationship. Sweden had recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign nation in February 1972. She recalled the excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Alexandra Berg von Linde lauded the visible improvement in women’s empowerment in Bangladesh. She specifically mentioned female participation in the active labour market, particularly in the readymade garment sector. Sweden saw great potential in Bangladesh’s market. This was reflected in the successful operations of Swedish firms in Bangladesh, including that of the clothing giant H&M.

She also said that Sweden was ready to facilitate the environmental goals of the Swedish companies operating in Bangladesh. The Ambassador praised Bangladeshi companies going green and expressed her desire to see Swedish green companies coming to Bangladesh.

Alexandra was received by MCCI President Saiful Islam and a few other members. Senior Vice President Kamran T Rahman, Vice President Habibullah N Karim, Board of Directors Anis A Khan, Syed Tareque Md. Ali, the Secretary-General, and CEO Farooq Ahmed, among others, were present at that time.

Later, the MCCI chief handed over a few recent publications of the organisation. Finally, both sides unanimously agreed to have more frequent interactions and exchange of views.