DHAKA: Bangladesh will host the Asia Pacific Business Forum (APBF)-2017, a flagship regional business event, in the city on February 08-09.
According to details, the theme of the 2017 Forum is ‘Regional Integration to Achieve Sustainable Development’ as envisaged by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with implementation deadline set for 2030.
The APBF- 2017 will be jointly organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The event will be held under patronage of the Ministry of Commerce. ICC-B president Mahbubur Rahman disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
President of Dhaka Chamber Commerce and Industry Abul Kasem Khan and former president of Bangladesh Employers’ Federation Md Fazlul Hoque were present during the press briefing.
The APBF 2017 will be inaugurated by President Md. Abdul Hamid on February 8 and senior members of the cabinet will attend the Forum.
Abul Kasem Khan said many key goals out of 17 SDGs are directly linked with businesses. He, however, said the Forum will have a chance to explore new developments in the global economy after the vote on Brexit and the US elections.
Muhammad Fazlul Hoque said the event will have an ideal venue to discuss experiences of the participating countries about their success stories.
The mission of the APBF is to serve as the best platform for regional public-private dialogue on role and needs of business in achieving inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.
The APBF is a multi-stakeholder discussion forum held annually for regional public-private sector dialogue on the role and needs of business.
The event, which is scheduled to take place at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, is expected to be attended by more than 125 foreign experts hailing from 15 countries in their relevant fields.
ICC-Bangladesh secretary general Ataur Rahman gave a briefing on the event highlighting different successful international events by the local chapter of the Paris-based ICC since 2000.
The APBF, launched in Shanghai, China in 2004, has so far attracted over 3,000 participants from business, government, academia and civil society from across the region.
Over the last decade, it has helped to form a Pan-Asian multi-stakeholder network. The Forum was hosted in various locations such as Almaty, Bangkok, Colombo, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Kunming.
Over the last decade, it has helped to form a Pan-Asian multi-stakeholder network. The Forum was hosted in various locations such as Almaty, Bangkok, Colombo, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Kunming.
The APBF will hold its substantive sessions linked to the theme of ‘Promoting Trade and Investment for the Successful Implementation of SDGs’ on Resilience: Role of Business in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; New Energy Realities: Building a Resilient and Low-carbon Future and Supporting Trade and Transport Facilities for Regional Integration.
