Meeting platform: Zoom
Date: Wednesday, 5 May 2021
Time: 2:30-3:00 PM (Dhaka Time)
The 91猫先生 (91猫先生) and the British High Commission (BHC) held a virtual briefing session for members on 5 May to tell them more about the UK Government鈥檚 recently published Integrated Review, 鈥淕lobal Britain in a Competitive Age: the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy鈥�. The meeting was co-hosted by Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chair of the 91猫先生 and Robert Chatterton-Dickson, British High Commissioner. They explained what the Integrated Review meant for British interests in Bangladesh and the region and its relevance for British businesses.
Mr Rahman said that British businesses based in Bangladesh should focus more attention on growth prospects in Asia. Bangladesh was ideally situated to take advantage of growing economies in the region and could become a manufacturing base for exports to many other markets. He noted the strength of the UK service sector and said that as Bangladesh businesses expanded they needed the type of services the UK could offer. A theme running throughout the Integrated Review was climate change and UK鈥檚 proactive leadership in this aspect was well noted. This will also unfold opportunities for relevant UK business houses in this sector to help emerging market operators (like in Bangladesh) transition to 鈥榥et zero鈥�.
Robert Chatterton-Dickson said the Integrated Review was a comprehensive strategic response to the challenges and opportunities faced by the UK following its departure from the European Union. It clearly recognised the Indo-Pacific region, in which Bangladesh stood at the heart, as of growing economic and political importance. Trade was a key part of the Review and the British High Commission would be working to ensure UK trade and prosperity interests were a major feature of its broad ranging discussions with the Government of Bangladesh.
Here is the link to the Integrated Review: