British companies find no barriers in doing businesses in Bangladesh

British companies are exploring “new avenues” of doing businesses in Bangladesh since they do not face any barriers here, a visiting delegation says.

The companies that work for the aid-funded projects also want to play “a very important role” in Bangladesh’s efforts to be a middle-income country.

“I don’t see any barriers in Bangladesh at all. There are huge amount of (UK) businesses here and we have very positive relations (with Bangladesh),” Peter Lindsay, the team leader, said.

“We look forward to building on that and exploring new avenues,” he said, as the delegation comprised members of the British ‘Aid Funded Business’ ended the three-day visit on Thursday.

Lindsay was interacting with a group of journalists at the residence of the British high commissioner in Dhaka.

The Aid Funded Business service helps UK companies win business from aid agency-funded projects.

This was the first visit of such a delegation to Bangladesh.

Lindsay, a senior consultant of British Expertise that promotes professional services worldwide, said he led the mission of 17 UK companies.

“Some of which already have existing business and relationship here in Bangladesh. Others are coming first time and looking to find partners and to engage with various sectors of economy and business in Bangladesh.”

He said they had “exhaustive” discussions with the donor agencies, NGOs and government officials in Bangladesh.

Peter Lindsay

“We had very productive three days. It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning. We are very much looking forward to building the relationship,” Lindsay said.

“We can play a very important and positive role as you are being moved to a middle-income country.”

The UK is the largest bilateral grant donor to Bangladesh.  Some 100 UK firms have operations in Bangladesh.

Hilary Rutherford, International Project Manager of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, said they were “investing in people” in Bangladesh and helping them develop skills.

Sharon Sadeh, Managing Director of Green Grade that already runs business in Bangladesh, said a stable political environment would draw more investors in the country.

The other companies of the delegation are Adam Smith International, BBS Consultants, Ecorys UK, Green Grade Solutions, Griffon Hoverwork Limited, IMC Worldwide, Maxwell Stamp Limited, Oxford Policy Management, Pan Products Limited, Quay Asia Limited, Russell IPM Limited, University of South Wales, Ernst & Young and Public Administration International.