Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh's exports to the United Kingdom (UK) registered steady growth in the first five months of the ongoing FY26, consolidating the UK's position as the country's second-largest export destination, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) vice-chairman and chief executive Mohammad Hasan Arif.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Unlock the UK Market: Preferential Access and Standards for Export Success" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital's Purbachal, Mr Arif said many Bangladeshi exporters remain unaware of the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), limiting their ability to take full advantage of the preferential access offered.
"To bridge this knowledge gap, the EPB-with support from the British High Commission Dhaka and other stakeholders-will soon organise dissemination sessions to enhance exporter awareness," he added.
The seminar brought together key public- and private-sector stakeholders to discuss how Bangladeshi exporters can expand their footprint in the UK market through improved utilisation of preferential schemes and compliance with international standards.
The event began with welcome remarks from Baby Rani Karmakar, director general-1 (joint secretary) of the EPB, followed by opening remarks from Sakib Ershad, head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission Dhaka.
As chief guest, Mr Arif highlighted the commitment of both Bangladesh and the UK to strengthening bilateral trade ties and equipping local businesses with the capabilities needed to meet global standards.
Discussions at the seminar, he said, are expected to support Bangladesh's export growth and foster sustainable market practices in the UK and beyond.
The three-day Global Sourcing Expo, jointly organised by the EPB and the Ministry of Commerce, is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center. The event aims to showcase Bangladesh's export potential and bolster international business partnerships.
At the seminar, Nofel Wahid, private sector development adviser at the British High Commission, delivered a presentation on "Leveraging the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme: Bangladesh's Market Access", outlining key benefits for Bangladeshi exporters.
Representatives from the British Standards Institution (BSI) shared expertise on international standards. Mohammad Shohaieb, initiative director, Standards Partnership, spoke on the "Standards Partnership Initiative", while Joanna Griffiths, expert in sustainable packaging and circular economy, presented on "Navigating Global Standards and Strategies for Sustainable Packaging: Accessing the UK Market".
Tanvir Ahmad, senior adviser at the SheTrades Hubs of Asia under the International Trade Centre (ITC), discussed the "ITC SheTrades Initiatives", which promote sustainable and inclusive trade.
A total of 125 organisations from eight major export sectors, along with multinational companies, wholesalers, supply chain representatives and global market decision-makers are participating in the event.
sajibur@gmail.com