The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORTER

With a view to promoting trade and business relations between Bangladesh and Germany, Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) is going to organise first ever "German Trade Show 2008," from November 6 to 8, at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.

The German Trade Show 2008 is supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany-Dhaka and GTZ. The show will remain open to businessmen and members of the public everyday from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

Addressing a press conference on 'German Trade Show 2008' at a hotel in the city yesterday, Saiful Islam, President of BGCCI, said during the first seven months till July of 2008, Germany imported goods and services worth 956 million Euro from Bangladesh, while exported goods and services worth 155 million Euro during the same period.

Among others, Rolf Dieter Reinhard, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy, Ms Irmgard Hettich Sherchan, Executive Director, BGCCI, Sadaquat Hossain, Vice-President, BGCCI, Syed Jamil Haider, Feroze Ahmed, Syed Golam Mowla, member executive committee, BGCCI were present at the conference. Different types of intermediate products in fair would attract German investors to invest directly in Bangladesh hoped Saiful Islam, President of BGCCI adding German is the second largest trade destination for Bangladesh.

German intends to invest in power generation in Bangladesh. When asked about German intention helping Bangladesh in the power sector, he said Germany is keen to help resolve the ongoing power crisis in the country.

The BGCCI president said the immediate purpose of the German Trade Show 2008 is to take stock and highlight innovative developments along with bringing manufacturers, traders, institutions, exporters, investors, NGOs and service providers together take up interesting specific topics for information and discussion make business contacts and explore further potential and share and enjoy with German food and jazz by the Jazzy Chopsticks.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, Commerce Adviser is likely to inaugurate the Trade Show as the chief guest at 3:00pm on November 6.

Frank Meyke, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh, Kamaluddin Ahmed, Executive Chairman of the Board of Investment (BoI) and Annisul Huq, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry have consented to be special guests at the inauguration ceremony. Around 65 exhibitors will inform about German business, products and services available for Bangladesh and about Bangladeshi products and services available for the German market.

German technology has gained an excellent reputation in the Bangladesh market for its quality, longevity and sophistication. Bangladeshi readymade garments have captured a good part of the German market.

During the three days' of the trade show, a series of topic talks on various sectors, presentations and seminars will be organised. Foreign and local experts will look at various sectors of special interest like shipbuilding, IT, leather, financial services, chemicals and power distribution. Going beyond short-term business success, issues of sustainability and social market economy will be raised as well. Thanks to all those who have come from far and near adding immense value to the

The German Trade Show 2008 is mainly targeting the business community. BGCCI wants to establish the trade show as a regular biennial event, being recognized among professionals from Germany and Bangladesh.