The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in partnership with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) commissioned a study on the UK – Bangladesh market, to Ernst & Young and Quay Asia on Monday.

The study aims to improve bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh. It will explore the ambitious growth agenda that showcases areas of cooperation between the two countries and was launched at an event titled “Bangladesh–UK Business Corridor: Legacy and the Future” on Monday.

Also read: Bangladesh to retain duty-free access for 98% of exports, including RMG as UK introduces new scheme

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin, , Chief of Staff HSBC Asia Pacific Philip Fellowes and HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub Ur Rahman, shared their insights during the occasion.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem, also attended the event and spoke over Zoom.

The event also highlighted the important ways in which both countries can unlock the potential market opportunities.

Also read: UK will continue to "support democratic process" in Bangladesh

“We were able to grow trade with the UK with our contemporary export policies and bilateral relations; this relation will only grow in the coming days with the agreements in place with UK. I thank HSBC and FBCCI for supporting this market study which will undoubtedly open opportunities for further trade and investment growth,” said the commerce minister.

“While Bangladesh considers the UK an important export destination, the trade relationship is currently concentrated on a few specific items. Policymakers and business leaders from both countries,” said the FBCCI president.

Also read: President Shahabuddin seeks more British investment in Bangladesh's energy sector

The UK solidified its position as the leading investor in Bangladesh in 2022, attracting the highest inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and ranking second in terms of FDI stock. Notably, investments were concentrated in key sectors such as textiles and weaving, power, banking, and food supply.