Bangladeshi businesses and their Singaporean counterparts discussed business prospects, trade, and investment opportunities between their countries at an international business networking event in Dhaka Wednesday. They also spoke about how the firms of both countries can expand businesses for bilateral interests. A delegation of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the apex business chamber promoting the interests of Singapore businesses in trade, investment and industrial relations, is now in Bangladesh to understand the country's investment climate. To connect local businesses with global ones to boost bilateral growth and opportunities, Bangladeshi Charter Accountancy firm Howlader Maria and Co (HmAC) and, organised the event at a Dhaka hotel. Read more: Bangladesh shares its aspirations with Singapore to emerge as facilitator of regional connectivity Maria Howlader, founder and CEO of HmAC, Soo Wei Chai, executive director of Global Business Division and Young Business Leaders Network of SBF, business leaders, chief executives officers of different companies, and business firms from both countries were present at the meeting. Businesses from Singapore have great opportunities to invest in Bangladesh, including in information technology, pharmaceuticals and hospitality as the country offers attractive tax exemptions and other facilities, participants from local businesses said. The Singapore delegation from multiple sectors shared their investment plans and tried to find out business opportunities in different sectors such as IT, agriculture, and construction. They also said Bangladeshi businesses can also expand their businesses by investing in Singapore. Read more: Singapore upbeat about Bangladesh’s economic potential Thanking the participants from both Singapore and Bangladeshi business houses, Maria said, "The networking event represents how we feel about doing business in Bangladesh and matching business to business" for further growth and expansion. Maria said Bangladesh has many inspiring stories of growth and development, with a strong track record of growth and development even amid rising global uncertainties.    

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said they will explore all the possible options including Russia and countries in the Middle East in coordination with the relevant ministries for purchasing fuel. “Since the instruction has come today (Tuesday), we will work in coordination with relevant ministries. Definitely we will explore all the possibilities,” he told reporters on Tuesday, noting that they need to develop the refining capacity further. The Foreign Secretary said Bangladesh maintains very good relations with all countries in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “We have many options.” He said Bangladesh can also purchase crude oil from Russia like India but Bangladesh needs to develop the capacity to refine Russian crude oil. Read: No need to hike fuel price if BPC’s corruption and mismanagement end: CPD The Foreign Secretary indicated that some experts might come from abroad to see how to develop the required capacity for refining crude oil from Russia. Responding to a question, he said Iran is also a possibility as the Western countries’ negotiation with Iran is underway regarding withdrawal of sanctions. “It’s good to have an increased number of options.” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the government wants to purchase fuel, fertiliser and wheat from Russia. She mentioned that she had given the responsibility to her Principal Secretary to talk to the Russian Ambassador in Dhaka regarding the matter. “The foreign ministry can take initiative in this matter, we will procure fuel oil from them (Russia) with our own funds as the SWIFT is closed and the price of dollars is very much high,” the PM said.

The name, Dooars, is sometimes only associated with jungle and wildlife although the greeneries of foothills of the eastern Himalayas in northeast India has a peaceful connection with Bhutan through a shy river named Jaldhaka. A deep dive within the route uncovers a less explored side of touring India.