A two-day `Zambia-Bangladesh Business Forum, Dhaka 2025` will begin from May 14 at Banani Sheraton Hotel in the capital to promote trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is expected to inaugurate the forum as the chief guest while a high-level business delegation from Zambia will take part in the event.

Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh; Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry of Zambia and Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in collaboration with the Consulate of Zambia in Bangladesh, High Commission of Zambia in New Delhi, India and High Commission of Bangladesh in Zambia (Non-Resident) are organising the event.

Experts from apparel, leather, pharmaceuticals, ICT, plastic and furniture sectors will deliver speeches at the forum.

EPB Director (Policy and Planning)-Current Charge Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain said the forum aims to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

"Zambia and Bangladesh have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since 1971. Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth. The forum will build on the existing bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade and investment," he added.

He said the forum will focus on the following key sectors like , agriculture and Agri-logistics, manufacturing garments and textiles, energy and renewable energy, infrastructure development, fisheries & livestock and small and medium enterprises.

He said the forum is expected to increase trade and investment between Zambia and Bangladesh, identification of potential areas of cooperation and partnership, sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and agreements between Zambian and Bangladeshi business houses and enhance economic cooperation and relations between the two countries.

Consul of Zambia in Bangladesh Dr Mohd Zayed Alam said the important Business Forum on May 14 will foster bilateral trade and business opportunities as Zambia and Bangladesh have been very friendly country to each other since long and share very similar ideas of trade, business and cultural values.

On May 15, he said, the Zambian team will visit several factories in Bangladesh.

Zayed Alam said Bangladesh has emerged as a rising economic power in South Asia, with remarkable achievements in various sectors such as ready-made garments, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and agro-products.

However, he said, there is an increasing need to enhance Bangladesh`s global image and promote its unique strengths in international markets.