Singapore HC suggests ‘Halal Certification’ on Bangladeshi agriculture products to boost export

Singapore investors called for greater business engagement to accelerate Singapore-Bangladesh trade business growth at a roundtable hosted by Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) on ‘Investment Climate in Bangladesh and Singapore-Bangladesh Business Opportunities’ at its head office in the city’s Gulshan area, yesterday, April 9, 2025.

The roundtable was participated in by the high-profile delegation from Singapore visiting Dhaka in connection with the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, according to a media release. 

The roundtable aimed to foster real dialogue, fresh ideas, and long-term partnerships. Singapore’s strategic importance to Bangladesh was underscored, particularly as Bangladesh approaches LDC graduation and seeks deeper integration into global trade networks.

The Chief Guest of the event, Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, said, “Bangladesh Bank is committed to fostering a financial ecosystem that aligns with global standards and supports bilateral trade and investment growth. We see Singapore not just as a trade partner, but as a strategic ally in achieving sustainable development, boosting financial innovation, and creating shared prosperity.”

The special guest of the event, Derek Loh, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore to Bangladesh, said, “Bangladesh has opportunity to export more agricultural products to Singapore. Bangladesh can use 'Halal Certification' on their products as Singaporean Muslim community is interested in them. The present economic situation around the world is difficult for all. However, we have to work collectively to fight against the situation.”

Not only the big investors, but also the small entrepreneurs are interested in investing Bangladesh, he added.

Md. Hasan Abdullah Towhid, Director, South East Asia Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Singapore is a key partner for Bangladesh, with strong economic ties and great potential for expanded trade and investment. Bangladesh offers Singapore access to a large consumer market, a young, trainable workforce, and cost-effective manufacturing, serving as a gateway to South Asia. In return, Bangladesh seeks to benefit from Singapore's strengths in finance, urban planning, logistics, and technology. We welcome Singaporean investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, IT, renewable energy, and finance to support our digital economy goals.”

Ahmed Shaheen, Additional Managing Director of Eastern Bank, highlighted that "At Eastern Bank, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for international investors through tailored banking solutions that facilitate cross-border investments and foster trade growth. Our specialized desks for China, Korea, Japan, and India have already proven successful, and we strongly advocate for the establishment of a dedicated Singapore desk to further enhance our partnership and support new avenues of collaboration."

As Bangladesh’s third-largest foreign investor, Singapore plays a crucial role in trade diversification, infrastructure development, and digital innovation.

Participants also discussed how Singapore’s position as a global logistics hub offers unique advantages for Bangladeshi goods entering ASEAN, East Asia, and Oceania markets.

The roundtable was attended by Mitchel Lee, Charge d’affaires, High Commission of Singapore; Benjamin Chue, Development Partner, Enterprise Singapore; S Anand, Head, Surbana Jurong; Melvin Tan, Managing Director and Ashraf Suppiah, GM of Cyclect Group and Choon Poh Poi, Executive Director, DBS Singapore along with concerned high officials from EBL.