The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh recently organised a seminar on “Private Sector Contribution to the SDGs” in Dhaka.

The event brought together 24 Japanese companies, eight Bangladeshi financial institutions/investors, and eight local startups in a quest to forge impactful partnerships driving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their business in Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Bangladeshi startups, Light of Hope, Moner Bondhu, Women in Digital, Bioforge, Drishti, Wreetu, Wander Women, and Leatherina, showcased their SDG contributions on crucial areas like education, healthcare, environment, and women's empowerment. JICA introduced these visionaries to Japanese companies and Bangladeshi financial institutions, fostering potential collaborations for future sustainable ventures, it said.

Five Japanese companies also presented their activities related to the social development and achievement of SDGs in Bangladesh.

Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh office shared that JICA acknowledges the importance of nurturing local business entities that can balance profit and SDGs achievement for the consistent economic advancement of Bangladesh and JICA is actively involved in fostering the development of future businesses in Bangladesh with initiatives such as JICA's accelerator program, known as JICA Ninja (Next Innovation with Japan) held in 2021 and the ongoing Product Market Fit (PMF) trial, said the release.

Farhad Reza, CEO of National Advisory Board for Impact Investment in Bangladesh streteched the role of impact investment to achieve SDGs.

This seminar, a cornerstone of JICA's SDGs Business Support Programme, signified a pivotal stride in fostering dynamic Japanese-Bangladeshi collaborations. It not only serves as a platform for innovative partnerships but also champions sustainable initiatives, driving the shared vision of advancing the SDG agenda in Bangladesh and beyond, it added.