To engage the vast potential of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in national development, the Bangladesh Brand Forum, in collaboration with Prime Bank PLC, bKash Limited, and Team Group BD, hosted the NRB Conclave 2024 at the Foreign Service Academy. Under the theme Transforming Bangladesh Through Knowledge Remittance, the event aimed to create a structured framework for leveraging the intellectual and financial capital of NRBs to drive progress across various sectors, including the vital Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry.
The conclave highlighted the importance of mobilising NRBs to boost investment, technology transfer, skill development, and nation branding while promoting innovation and sustainable growth. The agenda featured three keynote sessions, four-panel discussions, a project-launching session, and a dedicated segment on national branding, all aimed at addressing key challenges and generating actionable strategies for NRB involvement in shaping Bangladesh’s future.
Jashim Uddin, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened the event as Chief Guest, underscoring the transformative potential of NRBs in sectors such as investment and technology, which are crucial for revitalising the RMG industry. He emphasised that with the right support and engagement, NRBs could play a pivotal role in elevating the industry to meet global standards and expectations.
The event also featured insights from various industry leaders, including Lutfey Siddiqi, who presented “The New Bangladesh Narrative,” and Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, who discussed “The Future of Bangladesh’s Economy and NRB Engagement.” These discussions are particularly relevant to the RMG sector, which has been facing challenges due to global competition and shifting market demands.
The panel discussions focused on reshaping skill development through NRB involvement and driving investment in emerging sectors, which are essential for the RMG industry’s adaptation to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. The emphasis on inclusive technological growth with NRB contributions is expected to significantly enhance the industry’s efficiency and competitiveness.
A highlight of the conclave was the launch of the Future City Competition USA in collaboration with NYBSYS and Racson USA, aimed at driving urban innovation through NRB engagement in development projects. This initiative is anticipated to create new opportunities and synergies that could benefit the RMG sector, particularly in terms of sustainable practices and infrastructure development.
Notable speakers included Dr. Syed Ferhat Anvar, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, and Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone Ltd., who shared their insights on how NRBs can contribute to the broader economic landscape, including the RMG industry.
The NRB Conclave 2024, supported by knowledge partner Marketing Society of Bangladesh (MSB), academic partner BBF Academy, and innovation partner Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, marked a bold step towards harnessing the potential of Bangladesh’s diaspora. Through innovation, investment, and impactful collaborations, the conclave aspires to elevate Bangladesh’s global standing while driving sustainable national development, particularly in the crucial RMG sector, which is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
