DCCI, Dubai Chamber sign MoU to boost economic ties

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Dubai Chambers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance economic cooperation.

The Dubai Chambers hosted the "Dubai-Bangladesh Business Briefing" on Wednesday at its auditorium, paving the way for deeper trade and investment ties with Bangladesh. 

A 29-member Dhaka DCCI delegation led by President Taskeen Ahmed attended the event that culminated in the landmark deal.

Taskeen Ahmed highlighted the UAE’s significance as a hub for Bangladeshi expatriates—17 per cent of the country’s overseas workforce—second only to Saudi Arabia. 

He pitched Bangladesh as an investment hotspot, citing 100 per cent foreign ownership, bonded warehouses, robust IP protection, and incentives. 

“UAE entrepreneurs can tap logistics in our economic zones, plus renewable energy, fintech, healthcare, IT, and tourism,” he urged, also calling for skill development centres from Dubai.

Dubai Chambers’ President and CEO Mohammed Lootah welcomed the partnership, noting 8,686 Bangladeshi firms registered with the chamber by 2024’s end—a sign of Dubai’s pull. 

“We’re committed to supporting Bangladeshi businesses here and urge them to set up local offices to unlock Middle Eastern and African markets,” he said, nudging IT firms to invest in the UAE and stressing data centres for Bangladesh’s tech growth.

Former DCCI President Rizwan Rahman showcased Bangladesh’s trade potential via a presentation, pushing for a UAE-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Omar Khan, Dubai Chambers’ Head of Research, echoed the need for private-sector synergy, spotlighting opportunities in processed food, healthcare, logistics, fashion, and e-commerce.

The MoU, signed by Ahmed and Lootah, aims to foster B2B matchmaking, joint ventures, trade fairs, and delegation exchanges. A lively B2B session followed, connecting 50 Dubai firms with the DCCI team for in-depth talks on trade prospects. DCCI Senior VP Razeev H Chowdhury, VP Md. Salem Sulaiman, and delegation members joined the milestone event, marking a bold step toward mutual economic gains.