Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Happy New Year 2018 ! Thank you for all the supports in 2017. We‟ve

NEWSLETTER

Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry

ISSUE 11& 12 JULY 2016– JUNE 2017

INSIDE THE ISSUE

MESSAGE FROM HONORABLE

AMBASSADOR

2

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CONVENER 4

FROM THE DESK OF SWISS

EMBASSY IN BANGLADESH

5

SBCCI Event: 7th Annual general

Meeting Of SBCCI

8

Executive Committee Details 15

News From Member Organiza-

tions: SGS Bangladesh Limited

16


tions: Roche Bangladesh Limited

21


tions: LafargeHolcim (Bangladesh)

Ltd

24


tions: Swiss Colours Bangladesh

Ltd

27

Advertisement : Prime Pharmaceuti-

cals Limited

30

Traveler's Diary 31

Contact 33

Our Members 34

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 2

Message From Honorable Ambassador,

Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

Dear Readers,

I am very delighted to welcome you to the latestissue of the newsletter of Switzerland Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI).Since this is the first issue of SBCCI newsletter being published after my arrival in Bangladesh, I take this op-portunity to convey my best wishes to the readers.

The President of the Swiss Confederation H.E. Mr. Alain Berset paid an official visit to Bangladesh on 04-07 February 2018. During the visit, the leaders of the two countries welcomed the positive developments of bilateral trade and investment and placed strong emphasis on forging closer economic and technological cooperation, adopting innovative solutions and enhancing the transfer of technology between our two countries.

Bilateral trade and investment relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh are increasing rapidly. In 2017, bilateral trade vol-ume between Switzerland and Bangladesh registered an impressive growth of more than 14% totalling 676.8 million Swiss Francs.Trade volume in both directions (i.e. export and import) has increased during this period. It is particularly impressive to note that bilateral trade has almost tripled since 2010! Investments and reinvestments from the Swiss companies in Bangladesh are also increasing steadily.

Nevertheless, the trade and investment potentials are still largely untapped. Swiss and Bangladeshi businesses should actively expand and explore new areas of economic cooperation. For example, Swiss companies can essentially become providers of innovative and technological solutions to Bangladesh creating win-win outcomes for both the countries. I am confident that with further improved infrastructure and energy supply, regulatory predictability and legal security, Bangladesh will become a pre-ferred destination for the Swiss businesses in the future.

SBCCI has always played an important role in advancing and promoting bilateral trade and economic partnership. I am aware of initiatives being planned by SBCCI which once realised will contribute to further strengthening and deepening of trade and eco-nomic relations between our two friendly countries. I wish SBCCI continued success in its endeavours and assure full support of the Swiss Embassy.

Thank you very much.

Dr. René Holenstein

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 3

Message From President,

Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Happy New Year 2018 !

Thank you for all the supports in 2017. We‟ve celebrated 45 years of bi-lateral relations and friendship between Switzerland and Bangladesh in 2017. The Embassy of Switzerland organised a beautiful program showcasing progress in bi-lateral development, friendship, culture, trade & investments between two countries. Collaboration between SBCCI and the Swiss Embassy has reached a new height.

SBCCI has created the opportunity to enhance the bilateral trade, investment, cultural exchange and friendship between Bangla-desh and Switzerland. We‟re continuously working to develop this platform for the improvement of bi-lateral relationship. SBCCI has taken a great initiative to arrange a Road show in Switzerland to promote Bangladesh as an investment destination and also to enhance bi-lateral trade & relationship. We believe, this will really help us to establish positive image of Bangladesh

Bangladesh economy has progressed very well. Indomitable Bangladesh with resilient people and the government together have showed the light of development. Our economy is on track of moving towards fulfilling our vision 2021 to be a middle-income country. We‟ve already achieved 7%+ GDP growth, more than US$ 1,600 per capita income and most importantly graduated from „Least Developed Country‟ (LDC) status to „Developing Country‟ status. SBCCI will continue to be a partner of this jour-ney.

2018 has also started with a big bang with the visit of President of Switzerland along with the trade delegation. SBCCI has played a key role on discussing bilateral issues and opportunities. Hope this will help us to work together building a new horizon of Friendship, Trade & Investments between two great friendly countries, Switzerland and Bangladesh.

Thank you again and wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2018.

Let‟s wish SBCCI a GODSPEED… Long live Switzerland–Bangladesh Friendship

Naquib Khan

President, SBCCI

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 4

Message From The Convener of Cultural & Communication

Development Sub committee, SBCCI

Dear Readers,

ShuboNoboBorsho!

Let me take this opportunity to welcome H.E. Dr. René Holenstein, our new Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh.

I feel as though, like with everything else that is so unique in Bangladesh, it is also, so wonderful, that we get to welcome in the new year twice. Once according to the Gregorian calendar and then, once again according to the Bengali calendar. Thus , mak-ing sure that we get twice the opportunity to make resolutions and set double the goals.

The year itself, 2018, is indeed one that is filled with new innovations, achievements, exciting start ups, diplomatic visits and of course, very exciting news of Bangladesh meeting the requirements to be recognized as a developing country in March, 2018. The country‟s Gross National Income (GNI) has also increased to $1,724 per capita.

Earler this year, in February 2018, for the first time in history, the President of the Swiss Confederation had visited Bangladesh. H.E. Mr. Alain Berset had paid an official visit to the country to promote developments in bilateral trade and investment, en-couraging further business partnership and investment in the field of technology and economic development between the two countries.

Bilateral trade figures are also showing an increasing trend between the two countries. In 2017 for instance, we saw the volume of trade amounting to nearly CHF 680 million (Swiss Francs). Further, given Bangladesh‟s constant growth rate at an average GDP of 6.5% for the past two decades, it is almost inevitable that bilateral trade figures between the two countries will cross over to a billion in the near future.

The pages that follow, present a visual and written summary of both the social and economic activities that took place within the various Swiss and Bangladeshi led businesses in Bangladesh.

On behalf of the Switzerland Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I hope that you enjoy reading through our news-letter and I look forward to bringing you even more exciting updates in our next issue.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Vidiya A. Khan

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 5

From The Desk of Swiss Embassy, Bangladesh:

Global Forum on Migration and Development

The 9th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) took place in Dhaka between the 8th to the 12th of Decem-ber 2016 under the chairmanship of the Bangladesh Government. The GFMD is a

Government led multilateral process providing a forum for countries across the world to discuss critical issues on migration in an open and nonbinding manner. The 9th forum was attended by more than eight hundred delegates from a hundred and thirty countries across the world. This year the forum meeting has special significance to understand and seek solutions to the large scale human movement and displacement brought about by multiple humanitarian crises occurring across the globe. Discussions regarding the modalities of setting up separate Global Compacts on Migrant‟s and Refugees, where Swit-zerland plays an important role as facilitator of the process, were amongst the key areas discussed at the meetings. Over the years Switzerland has assumed a lead role in driving the discussions at the forum as a member state. It chaired the 6th GFMD in 2011 and this year provided extensive support to the Bangladesh Government to facilitate the organization of the forum meeting in Dhaka. Switzerland remains committed to supporting the Bangladesh Government and other countries in pro-moting a safe and informed migration process.

Right to Information Act for qualitative journalism

Bangladesh introduced the Right to Information Act (RTI) in 2009 for increased accountability and transparency. Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) conducted an assessment to look into the experiences and challenges facing reporters when they use the RTI act. MRDI shared the findings of the assessment in a roundtable meeting held in December 2016 in Dhaka. It was observed that the RTI act is a useful tool to collect information related to sensitive topics. There are many challenges as well. It was reported in the assessment that journalists sometimes face political and social pressure which often leads to exercising self-censorship. Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Mr. Christian Fotsch attended the roundta-ble meeting as the special guest. While acknowledging the commendable role played by the Bangladeshi media, Ambassador Fotsch noted that there are challenges which impede media freedom and freedom of expression. The Swiss embassy supported MRDI in conducting the assessment and in hosting the roundtable meeting.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 6


Seedstarts Dhaka 2016

Seedstars World, a Switzerland based start-up competition focused on emerging markets, held its second competition in Dhaka in October 2016. Seedstars Dhaka 2016 was held under the auspices

of Digital World 2016. Field Buzz, a start-up that helps organizations manage field operations by using smart devices, was named

as the winner. Field Buzz will represent Bangladesh during Seedstars World‟s final event in Switzerland this year. 10 Minute

School, an EdTech start-up based in Bangladesh, won the Swiss Embassy award for its potentials to make significant social impact.

This competition is another example of the strong Swiss commitment towards entrepreneurship, skills development and innova-

tion. Starting from this year, commercially viable companies in Bangladesh can apply for special startup funds

(www.secostartupfund.ch) set up by the Government of Switzerland.

Roundtable Meeting

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 7


Bilateral trade between Switzerland and Bangladesh posted an impressive 16% growth in 2016 to CHF591.5 million, com-pared to 2015. Swiss imports from Bangladesh during this period stood at CHF 439.64 million posting a 25% growth over 2015. Increased imports of apparel and leather products contributed to this growth. In 2016, the Swiss exports to Bangladesh stood at CHF 151.86 million sustaining a negative growth of 3.7%. The main Swiss export items were machinery, chemical and pharmaceutical products. The trade volume has more than doubled since 2010 and is well on course to cross USD 1 bil-lion mark in coming years.

Bilateral trade update

Exhibition of the young photographers

The Embassy hosted a photography exhibition titled “Focus on Culture” in Dhaka in October 2016 where twelve enthusiastic young Bangladeshi photographers exhibited their inspiring photos. The twelve young photographers are the winners of a photo competition launched last year by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC.

The photographs in the exhibition illustrated various perspectives on the role of culture in Bangladesh. Highlighting the coun-

try‟s multicultural identities and tradition of tolerance, some photographs in the exhibition present the influence of different

faiths and ethnic groups on the society. Others capture new realities of the twenty first century. The winners attended a 3-day

workshop with the eminent photojournalist GMB Akash before the exhibition.

Swiss film in Dhaka film festivals:

The Swiss film Schellen Ursli (Little Mountain Boy) was screened in the 15th Dhaka International Film Festival and the 10th

International Children's Film Festival held in January 2017. The film is based on the famous children's book Schellen-Ursli

which depicts the struggles of a boy who braves deep winter snow to obtain an important family memento.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 8

SBCCI EVENTS

7th Annual General Meeting of SBCCI

7th Annual General Meeting of Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on 4 February 2017, Saturday at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch, The Honorable Swiss Ambassador was the chief guest of the program. The meeting was started with Mr. Naquib Khan welcoming The honorable Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch and all the members of the SBCCI. In the welcome speech Mr. Khan, President SBCCI, mentioned the activi-ties of the chamber throughout the year and expressed his heartiest gratitude to Her Excellency for the active support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh.

All the members of SBCCI and the honorable Ambassador H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch

During last year, the chamber had the privilege to arrange, participate and organize several activities such as:

Arranged the farewell event in honor of Mr. David Laizans, ex-president of SBCCI and Managing Director of SGS Bangla-

desh Ltd.

Held regular Executive Committee meetings

Participated in the meetings and social events arranged by the different business chambers

Launched HR Forum

Launched the new dynamic website of SBCCI.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 9

SBCCI EVENTS


After the welcome speech by Mr. Khan, President SBCCI, the Honorable ambassador H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch extended his

felicitation and appreciation to every member of the SBCCI for their continuous efforts in fostering trade, business and invest-

ment relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh. In his message he emphasized on the fact that the Swiss-Bangladesh trade

and business relations are growing rapidly. The bilateral trade is projected to further excel in the current year.

Mr. Naquib khan, President SBCCI, giving his speech at the 7th Annual General Meeting

He also mentioned that SBCCI is playing a dynamic role, not only by providing a common platform to the Swiss companies present in Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi companies doing business with Switzerland, but also promoting the economic ties between the two countries. The Swiss Embassy and the SBCCI continue to work closely in fostering Swiss-Bangladesh eco-nomic and investment relations. Such cooperation will witness further growth in the days ahead. To conclude, he had wished SBCCI every success.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 10

SBCCI EVENTS


Miss. VidiyaAmrit Khan, Treasurer, SBCCI presented the financial report to the members of the chamber and Mr. ShibliRuba-yat-Ul-Islam, Secretary General of the chamber introduced the new Executive Committee of SBCCI for the session 2017-1019.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by the Vice President of SBCCI, Mr. Abdul Matin chowdhury.

H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch delivering his speech at SBCCI‟s 7th Annual General Meeting

Executive Committee welcoming the honorable Ambassador H.E. Mr. Christian Fotch

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 11

SBCCI EVENTS

SBCCI Iftar Party

Iftar Party of Switzerland Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held on 1st June 2017 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon

Hotel. The party was opened by the chair welcoming all the guests. Mr. MatiurRahman, LTU (VAT), and Mr. AlamgirHossain

LTU (TAX), were the chief guests of the program. Mr. Christoph Fuchs, Head of economic, political and cultural af-

fairs,Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, representatives of different chambers and all the representatives of SBCCI member

organizations were attended in the program..

MEMBERS OF SBCCI .

SBCCI IFTAR AT PAN PACIFIC SONARGAON SBCCI IFTAR TIME AT PAN PACIFIC SONARGAON

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 12

SBCCI EVENTS

SBCCI HR+ Plus Forum

HR Forum+ Plus was launchedunder Switzerland Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries in 2017 with the vision of sharing knowledge and good practices among the Swiss Companies working in Bangladesh.

The program was initiated by the HR of SGS Bangladesh Limited and is now becoming beneficial for everyone participating

during the sessions. Multiple sessions were held in different companies from which people working in HR as well as non HR

shared their experiences and knowledge on different topics. HR Forum+plus would celebrate itsfirst year anniversary in Janu-

ary 2018.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 13

SBCCI EVENTS

Relief for Flood Victims of Dinajpur and Jamalpur

Bangladesh had experienced flood for the fourth time and the latest one of August, 2017 had made the country adrift. As

monsoon rain kept on pouring and overflowing the rivers in the country as well as the upstream hilly regions of neighboring

countries, Bangladesh faced a flood affecting the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river basin. The northern, north-eastern and central

part of the country had experienced flood from the Saturday night and around 4 million people were reported to be affected

by it.

As of 16th August 2017, approximately 3.9 million people affected and 531,517 houses damaged in 24 districts. The most

affected districts are Dinajpur, kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Naogaon, Sirajgonj, Jamalpur, Bogra and many more. Swit-

zerland Bangladesh Chamber of commerce and Industry extended their assistance on those destitute who lost their home and

were suffered for foods and medicines. The volunteers of SBCCI distributed foods and medicines among 500 families of Di-

najpur and Jamalpur districts which was badly needed for them at that time.

Distribution of foods and medicine among the flood affected people of Dinajpur

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 14

SBCCI EVENTS

Towards Sustainable Development in the Textile Industry in Bangladesh

On 22nd November SBCCI organised an event on Green Investments titled ” Towards Sustainable Development in Textile

Industry of Bangladesh” at Conference Room, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka. James Carnahan, Global Sus-

tainability Manager, Archroma was the key note speaker of the event.

Textile Today was the media partner of that event and they published a feature on that on 24 November 2016, named

“Banking Sector to Double Green Investments in Coming Years- SBCCI seminar inform“.

PAGE 15 ISSUE-11-12

The New Executive Committee of Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of

Commerce & Industry (SBCCI) for the session 2017-2019

Sl Name Designation Picture

1 Mr. René Holenstein Ambassador Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

Chief Advisor

2 Mr. Naquib Khan Corporate Affairs Director

Nestlé Bangladesh Limited

President

3 Mr. Abdul Matin Chowdhury Managing Director New Asia Ltd.

Vice president

4 Mr. Sheikh Nahar Mahmud Managing Director Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited

Vice president

5 Mr. ShibliRubayatul-Islam M.D & Chairman Xin Bangla Fabrics

Secretary General

6 Ms. VidiyaAmrit Khan Executive Director Tutelar Oil Services Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.

Treasurer

7 Mr. Iqbal Chowdhury CFO LafargeHolcim Cement (Bangladesh) Ltd.

EC Member

8 Mr. Julian A. Weber Managing Director Secure Link Services BD Ltd.

EC Member

9 Dr. Mohammad Afroz Jalil Country Manager Roche Bangladesh Limited

EC Member

10 Mr. Saad Omar Fahim Director Clarichem Ltd.

EC Member

11 Mr. Olivier Bornard Managing Director,

SGS Bangladesh Ltd.

Associate Member

12 Mr. Tarun Patwary Managing Director Kuehne+Negal

Associate Member

13 Mr. Saiful Islam Managing director Daffodil Trading Ltd.

Associate Member

14 Mrs SharminAkter

Executive, Corporate Affairs & Administration, SBCCI

Coordinator

PAGE 16 ISSUE-11-12

EVENTS BY MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: SGS BANGLADESH LIMITED

Celebrating Pohela Boishak

Boishakh is the first month of the Bengali calendar and is celebrated country-wide and it gathers the largest crowd in spite of the religion and race.

Boishakh also comes in with a lot of colours and fragrance. Most of the tasty fruits are harvested in summer. „Boishakhimela‟ is part of welcoming the new year.

Like always, SGS arranged a Boishakhimela for the employees. The fair had a lot of stalls having foods, toys, clothes and many more of the mela-favourite things.

Celebrating Mothers’ Day 2017

The Mothers‟ Day in SGS have been arranged differently for 2017 in May and not only for the mothers but also for the ones who would become mothers in the coming days. An awareness session was arranged about the benefits an expecting mother is supposed to get from a company by the labour law.

This was done so that, to give the future mothers an insight about their rights and how they should be planning to enjoy their leaves etc.

PAGE 17 ISSUE-11-12


Awarding the Brighter Female Project Leaders

In 2016, SGS Bangladesh Limited started Brighter Female Leadership Projectto bring forward the inbuilt leader-

ship capability of the female employees and enhance their growth in the professional ladder.

With this aim, the female employees were asked to choose activities they would like to perform to prove them-

selves as leaders. From this projects performed, 10 best projects were awarded in the Women’s Day of 2017.

PAGE 18 ISSUE-11-12


Celebrating BijoyMela - 2016

December is a glorious month for all the Bangladeshis. This is the month that reminds us of our trueidentity. Many events take place around the country. On this occasion, SGS Bangladesh Limited arranged a „BijoyMela‟.

Celebrating BijoyMela - 2016

PAGE 19 ISSUE-11-12


Annual Picnic

Picnics are always fun. It unites people after long times and have fun. The fun gets higher when it is for office

colleagues. An official picnic is more like blending a family day…both personal and professional. gives the

chances to spend an enjoyable day; chat; eat; stay carefree.

SGS Bangladesh Limited organised annual picnic on January, 2017, for the employees along with their family.

There had been different sports, cultural performances for everyone, both for kids and elders. There was a lot of

yummy foods, prizes for the winners and various other fun items.

A great day like this, not only increases the bonding between colleagues but also makes promises for taking the

company to a new level.

PAGE 20 ISSUE-11-12


Celebrating International Mother Language Day 2017

21st February- a month of glory, a month of strength, a month that continuously gives the reminder of being the

only nation who fought for the Mother Language.

In tribute to the Language Movement and the Marty’s, SGS Bangladesh arranged a program for the International

Mother Language day. Many events like recitation, play, music were performed by the SGS employees to show

the respect for the country and all the brave Marty’s who gifted us with our language, Bengali.

Long-Service Award

Long Service Award ceremony was held on the May 2017.

This program was organised to recognise the contribution

of many of the employees who have given SGS their valu-

able time and have taken the organization to its peak to-

day. This program was arranged for the employees to have

spent from five years to as long as twenty years in SGS

Bangladesh Limited.

PAGE 21 ISSUE-11-12

EVENTS BY MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: Roche Bangladesh Limited

Improving Cancer Care in Bangladesh & Roche Initiatives

Non-Communicable Disease has become a rising concern across the world. Lower Middle Income counties and Lower Income Countries suffer most from the non-communicable disease. Economic growth with change in lifestyle and pollution with many other affecting factors are increasing the incident rates of non-communicable diseases. But research and innovation have already been able to improve the other NCDs like Diabetics, Cardiac or Renal diseases and Bangladesh in recent ages has been improving in reducing the burden of these NCDs. However, when it comes about „Cancer‟ we hardly have any answer to respond. Bangladesh is a non-reimbursed country; health expenditure is mostly out of pocket. Cancer care require more budget than other treatments, so altogether it becomes a challenging mission to serve cancer patients in Bangladesh. National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital is to be considered as the nation‟s principal cancer institute where only 300 beds are available for the pa-tients. There are also lack in diagnostics capacity in cancer treatment. There are only around 120 oncologists in Bangladesh and the number of nurses, technicians are also present in similar ratio. To create an ecosystem to serve patients will require a policy reform that will initiate a major development in infrastructure and knowledge capacity in cancer care in Bangladesh. Without the core infrastructure we won‟t be ready to fight with around 200 thousand people‟s lives.

Data plays an important role in taking decisions and resource allocation. Bangladesh still lacks of a Population Based Cancer Reg-istry System, without having a population registry the decisions may not impact patients significantly. Although governments operational plan and strategic plans had commitment to ignite a population registry but still that didn‟t take place. Doctors and the stakeholders are demanding for a population registry since a long, from Roche Bangladesh as the leading Cancer Care MNC we‟ve been coordinating the different stakeholders to connect each other and initiate a registry. In recent time the process has achieved a progress and we can envision a sooner initiative on this registry. This economic burden and premature deaths can be reduced only if there is a mass awareness present in the country. We also lack in awareness. Social stigma and lack of awareness bring patients late to the hospitals, this results a terrific condition to the patients. Roche Bangladesh as part of regular awareness initiatives conducted a session at Prime Minister‟s Office for the female high officials on Breast Cancer awareness with a vision to creating awareness from the core of the administration which may have potential to aware the entire country. This was one of the groundbreaking initiatives for Roche Bangladesh for awareness and policy reform both.

PAGE 22 ISSUE-11-12


Improving Cancer Care in Bangladesh & Roche Initiatives

Cancer treatment requires a good amount of financial support. A country like Bangladesh which is almost 93% out of pocket

market for health expenditure here patients face catastrophic situation when it comes with cancer treatment. Health insurance is

not popular in Bangladesh, introducing a cancer insurance is a challenging idea. Still, Roche Bangladesh considering the patients‟

benefit supported an insurance company introducing health insurance. But without government initiative and priority this cannot

be managed soon. Policy makers must have consensus in prioritizing cancer and providing funds for developing cancer care scene

in Bangladesh. Thus Roche Bangladesh hosted a policy dialogue with few renowned policy makers to prioritize the Cancer in

Bangladesh and creating a consensus among the policy makers to appeal more funds for improving patients‟ lives.

n Bangladesh pharmaceutical market is flourishing and brought a paradigm shift in recent years. Still we have to progress far and we as a pharma company firmly believe that serving patients providing medicines there are more responsibilities to respond and act. Being the globally leading organization for cancer care Roche feels the urge to help our patients and thus new innovations are happening continuously. Besides this, there are many issues we need to address and Roche has addressed policy reform to create patient access more smooth. Life cannot be defined by the disease but there are immense possibilities in every human and we everyone together can co-create the future better for the patients. Roche is committed doing now what patients need next. BGD.COM.NPS.0083.12.17 Ref: 1.http://www.who.int/workforcealliance/countries/bgd/en/ 2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876659/ 3.http://globocan.iarc.fr/Default.aspx

PAGE 23 ISSUE-11-12


Awareness event on Breast Cancer

It‟s a wake up call… A woman is a resilient knotof family. Dreams of that shining eyes, smiles of beloved children, hope of loving partner, assurance of mighty parents allthese on a sudden can shatter down just having a cancer cell positive diagnostic report in hand. Being ROCHE, we always try beyond every obstacle to aware our female society to know their health and their importance in the society.In a continuation to that last year we had arranged an awareness event onBreast Cancer at our office with the existing female employees of Swiss Companies who were enlisted in SBCCI. We have invited Dr.ParvinAkhterBanu toshare herimmense knowledge and experience of more than20 years at that event. To some extent we know about the deadly diseases and its consequences as now a days information are easily accessible and avail-able. But still in our everyday life we hardly look in the mirror to find out or notice the changes. It‟s a wakeup call for all sorts of changes in life that may have been needed but have been resisted for too long. The motto of this event was to detect first to cure fast.BGD.MAF.NPS.0080.12.17

PAGE 24 ISSUE-11-12

EVENTS BY MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: LAFARGEHOLCIM Bangladesh Limited

A zero-waste future is what we need. The Geocycle launching event of LafargeHolcim marked the assurance of that. Geocycle is a waste management service currently offered in 50 countries all over the world under LafargeHolcim Group. They offer sustain-able waste management service.

The Geocycle was chosen as the dedicated brand identity for all waste management activities in the LafargeHolcim Group. Geo means „earth‟ in Greek. Cycle evokes recycling. But it also suggests a larger process – the regenerative cycle in nature where waste materials are the foundation for creating new life.

The launching program was held at hotel Le Meridian Dhaka followed by a cultural event on November 29, 2017. Deputy Minis-

ter of Environment & Forest Mr. Abdullah Al Islam Jakob, MP attended as the Chief Guest of the event. Higher Authorities from

DoE, representative from different multinational & local companies, Development Agencies & officials from LafargeHolcim

Bangladesh were among the participants.

Chee Yin Liew, Head of Geocycle, South East Asia also addressed the audience and explained how Geocycle is serving in other

countries in the region (Malaysia, Indonesia & Philippines) by developing innovative solutions and approaches to waste manage-

ment.

One step ahead for a zero waste future: Launching of Geocycle in Bangladesh

PAGE 25 ISSUE-11-12


Sustainable construction in Asia Pacific also means building for the community. This was clearly shown by the projects that won

prizes in the regional LafargeHolcim Awards presented in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The three main Awards winning projects

(Gold Award, Silver Award and Bronze Award) deal with buildings for education – involving the community and sustainably im-

proving neighborhoods.

Winner of Bronze Award: Floating University- BRAC University campus, Dhaka, Bangladesh

WOHA from Singapore aims to introduces buildings and open space on remediated swamp land in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This pro-

ject is led by JalalAhmad, principal architect, J.A. Architects, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Richard Hassell and Sim Choon Heok, archi-

tects, WOHA, Singapore, and Wolfgang Kessling, climate engineer, Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH, München, Germany.

They designed a university building that floats on a pond – and the overall design supports the cleaning of the pond. With vertical

garden facades, photovoltaic panels, and controlled ventilation, this project could become a benchmark for sustainability in the

Asia Pacific region. “Sustainability is deeply integrated into the building design, from thermal zoning to significant reductions in

the use of energy and water,” stated the jury. This project is promoting human well-being and comfort in the built environment,

Enhancing urban biodiversity and Reducing waste, saving energy and water. Mr. Rajesh Surana, Country Representative and

CEO LH Bangladesh was present at the event who handed over the award to the winning team.

Holcim Cement Bangladesh Limited Introduces Graduate trainee program:

LAFARGEHOLCIM AWARD 2017: Floating university building in Bangladesh won the Bronze Award

Holcim Cement (Bangladesh) Limited (HBL) introduces Gradu-

ate Trainee Program in partnership with BUET. On this occasion

a lunching event was held at the corporate office of HBL on Au-

gust 23, 2017 where 12 selected young individuals across differ-

ent disciplines from BUET were welcomed by Mr. Rajesh K

Surana, Country Representative, LafargeHolcim. This rigorous

and challenging 18 months program will allow the young talents

to develop their own relevant area of expertise and add value to

the organization.

PAGE 26 ISSUE-11-12


A technical seminar titled „Quality Concrete for Sustainable Development‟ was organized by LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Limited

at The Westin, Dhaka on (August 16, 2017). Rajesh K Surana, CEO, LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Ltd. gave a brief introduction on

the company, its vision and how it stands apart among the industry. Petr Dobry, Technical Expert, Cement Industrial Perform-

ance, LafargeHolcim, Singapore presented the keynote

Launching of 'Shopner Nirman' (Building Dreams):

Holcim Strong Structure is the flagship product from Holcim family in Bangladesh. Over the years, Holcim Strong Structure is a

reputed premium brand of cement used in all purposes of the constructions in Bangladesh.

To gain back customers top of mind and awareness, a 360 degree integrated marketing campaign has been inaugurated in the

name of "HolcimStrong Structure Shopner Nirman". Home spreads the belongingness of accommodating generations after gen-

erations with pride stands tall. The big idea of the campaign was revolving that inner desire as to depict walls of home unbounded

with all the fondling dreams. The TVC portrays the different memories of multiple generations and their dreams built in between

the walls.

The campaign is accessible in all the applicable media like Press, Outdoor, trade, digital and a robust media plan has been devel-

oped to increase the brand metrics that has been planned to.

Technical Seminar on ‘Quality Concrete for Sustainable Development’ Held:

PAGE 27 ISSUE-11-12

EVENTS BY MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: SWISS COLOURS BANGLADESH LTD

Huntsman Textile Effects, one of the global leaders in developing sustainable, high performing processing chemicals, organized a

customer seminar on 11 October titled „Sustainable Growth and Innovation in the Textile Industry‟ jointly with its local agent,

Swiss Colours Bangladesh Ltd. in Dhaka. Bangladesh. The seminar attracted phenomenal crowd having more than 500 textile

processers.

Akthar Hossain, Managing Director, SwissColours Bangladesh Ltd, said in his welcome speech that Huntsman Corporation is a

publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with approximately $10 billion revenues in 2016.

Our chemical products are number one in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse

range of consumer and industrial end markets, he added. SwissColours Bangladesh Ltd has been the local agent for Huntsman

Textile Effects from the very early days.

Huntsman Textile Effects is the leading global provider of high quality dyes and chemicals to the textile and related industries

with operations in more than 90 countries and six primary manufacturing facilities in six countries (China, Germany, India, Indo-

nesia, Mexico and Thailand), commented Chuck Hirsch, Vice-President, Sales and Technical Resources, Huntsman Textile Ef-

fects, in his presentation.

“Creating a sustainable textile value chain is one of the top priorities in the textile industry. As one of the global leaders in ad-

dressing industry challenges with sustainable products and solutions meeting economic and ecological needs, Huntsman Textile

Effects is committed and well positioned to help the industry address these challenges. Huntsman will continue to invest and col-

laborate with various stakeholders in Bangladesh to help the industry minimize their environmental footprint and to meet sustain-

ability targets to compete in the global market.” he added.

BiswajitBanik, Country Manager- Bangladesh, Huntsman Textile Effect played the Master of Ceremonies role in the whole event

and during his presence he also mentioned “Bangladesh is an important manufacturing country for global textile value chain and

the textile and apparel contributes to 80% of export earnings for the country. Huntsman and Swiss Colours have been working

closely with all the customers here in Bangladesh and always try to remain at the forefront of the business. Our efforts are always

to bring innovative solutions to create sustainable industry.”

Huntsman unveils their latest innovations for sustainable growth of the textile industry

PAGE 28 ISSUE-11-12


HolgerSchlaefke, and Oliver Gerlach, Global Marketing Manager, Huntsman Corporation highlighted different types of products. Among many other technologies, Avitera® series of dyestuffs from Huntsman has been well discussed in the seminar. Many of the participants have opined that the current series of Avitera® SE dyestuffs are well in position now to improve further the envi-ronmental impact of dyeing industries. From its inception Avitera has been discussed as a game changing technology the dyestuff industry has seen after long time.

AVITERA® SE is a range of tri-reactive dyes that provide low temperature and low consumption processing for cellulosic fibres and blends. Huntsman‟s proven solutions combining finest high exhaustion dyestuffs and high efficient chemicals are helping in reducing environment footprint of Bangladesh textile industry.

HolgerSchlaefke mentioned that while in a conventional efficient dyeing process would require around 60 liters of water to dye

per kg of fabric;Avitera® SE can do the same with only 30 liters of water. That means it is saving close to 50 percent of water

consumption in compared to an existing efficient process. If we compare with an non-efficient process than the same savings will

be much higher. Mr. Schlaefke also presented the new color palette of Avitera® SE series which showed that Huntsman contin-

ued extensive research and development on the series from its inception 2012 and now it has very strong and effective ranges of

dyestuffs in the series. New color palette is offering less recipe cost, higher productivity and less environmental impact.

The event showcased Huntsman‟s expertise in integrated solutions for the textile supply chain. An innovative solution for Polyes-

ter-Cellulosic Fibers (Cotton) two part dying has been presented in the seminar. A specific combination of AVITERA® SE series

and TERASIL® W/WW dyestuffs can significantly reduce time, chemical, energy and water use for dyeing PC, CVC two part

dyeing. Both polyester and cotton can be dyed in two baths without reduction clearing which will save number of baths.

A case shared in the seminar showed 40% time savings, 50% water savings, 50% electricity and greenhouse gas emission savings

while using AVITERA® SE series and TERASIL® W/WW dyestuffs in compared to traditional process including „Reduction

Clearing‟.

TERASIL® TC is competitive, cutting-edge disperse dye range for polyester. Designed to offer outstanding economy and shade

reproducibility for polyester, polyester/cotton, even microfiber and elastane blends. TERASIL® TC range benefits include good

all round fastness performance, excellent stability to reduction, exceptional leveling properties, very good light fastness providing

high shade durability, fast exhaustion at 130 degree celsius and wide pH stability.

With new color palette AVITERA® SE is much more effective than before:

The new benchmark of dyeing PES/CEL blends

PAGE 29 ISSUE-11-12


Oliver Gerlach, Global Marketing Manager, HTE explained tremendous growth in Athleisure-wear worldwide. He informed that

sales of Athleisure-wear were 270 billion USD in the year 2015, and the market is expanding very fast. He also presented Hunts-

man‟s high-tech offerings for special finishes for Athleisure-wear ranges.

HolgerSchlaefke covered another major trend of the sector, the digital printing industry. Digitalization is a major trend in the

world facilitating more flexibility in design and now people are thinking about individual customization even. Mr. Schlaefke pre-

sented the advantages of Huntsman‟s digital printing inks and related products and suggested how these products would help their

customers to gain more orders from global brands.

Huntsman dyes and chemicals have been serving the industry by complying all latest industry regulations namely ZDHC MRSL,

Bluesign, GOTS, REACH etc. Huntsman not only comply them but also contributes in developing new environmental standards

of the world‟s best clothing brands while increasing yield, improving productivity and reducing processing cost.

With a very strong local team Huntsman today is well poised to deliver more to its customers. The veteran Swiss Colours team and Huntsman‟s long legacy the team now is a combination of young energetic but talented pool of engineers and experienced proven industry experts. In the question and answer session Huntsman‟s Bangladesh Country Manager BiswajitBanik expressed his commitment to reach at the door of the customers for serving any sort of queries.

At one stage in the seminar Professor Engr. Masud Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, Bangladesh University of Textiles, asked to recruit more textile engineers from Bangladesh at Huntsman Textile Effects who will be able to contribute more in Research & Develop-ment and also in market and product development. He also urged participating companies to invest more in Bangladesh in R&D.

The seminar was not only one sided presentation from Huntsman, it was also generating good participation from the audience. Number of veteran textile professionals, industry owners participated in the seminar. The question and answer session was idea provocative and experts from Huntsman suggested remedies to customer problems.

Huntsman Textile Effects holds regular seminars and workshops and collaborates with textile mills and apparel manufacturers to

adopt new technologies and processes that conserve resources, reduce waste and improve productivity. The company manufac-

tures products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and

coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging.

Huntsman’s innovation is supporting major trends of the industry:

Strong local team- more committed to serve individual customer needs:

PAGE 30 ISSUE-11-12

ADVERTISEMENT : PRIME PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 31

Traveler's Diary

Sajek Valley:

Sajek valley is one of the most beautiful places in Bangladesh. People often travel abroad for visiting thevalley. But Sajek is more beautiful than many of these valleys. And, it is only at a 7-8 hour distance fromDhaka. It just needs to be focused a little bit. It is located in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh. The geographic location is 22°38′N 92°12′E. Sajek is the largest union of Bangla-desh. Sajek valley is located in Baghaichoriupozila in Rangamati District. The communication is easier through Khagrachhori. Thoughit is in the Rangmati district, some people prefer to travel in a boat from Rangamati by KaptaiLake. But in this route, you have to walk a lot.

Welcome to the world of Adventure:Sajek Valley

Sajek is only 70 kilometers from Khagrachari. From Rangamati you can travel by jeep to Dhighinala

Army Camp. It is about 39 kilometers road. The next location is 10 Baghaihat police and army camp.

You have to take permission from here to travel in Sajek valley. The road to Sajek will bring Kaslong

Bridge next. Two rivers converge here and form Kaslong River. Passing through the Tiger Tila Army

Post and Maslong Bazar you will rich the first village of Sajek (Ruilui Para). Ruilui Para is about 1800

feet above the sea level. The main population here is Lusay. From here Sajek valley is very close. After

crossing Sajek you will reach Kolonk Para. It is in the border of Bangladesh. From here a wonderful

view of Lusay Mountain of India can be seen.

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 32

Traveler's Diary

Sajek Valley:

You must be astonished to see the greenish beauty of hills. From khagrachori, you have to familiar with trival people with ban-

gali. But from Dighinala, you can start to get hilly life. You can start your journey by ChanderGari which used in World War 2.

A narrow road through mountain hill is driven by a young driver gives you extra experience of "Thrilling Lifestyle". In station of

Bagaihat you enter in Rangamati& from here you can only see some tribal hut in your eyesight. All the huts are made by bamboo

and bush. You can feel the simplicity of life of the tribal by seeing their houses. In middle of your adventure you just stop in

Machalong Bazar where tribes (female) are selling many types of fruits & so on. After Machalong, the road enters in Kachalong

reserve forest which was well known place for safe area of Shanti Bahini. In road your jeep is paused in the need of checking by

Army personnel. This area is all about big and small trees with plenty of greenery. Tribal people say that before "Peace Treaty",

no one came here afraid of Shanti Bahini. So there grew up huge number of long trees. But after treaty, People

start business here with great enthusiasm. So there is no long tree. They indiscriminately cut down all the

trees. After sometimes your jeep touch Sajekreserve forest from where you can see the village of Mijo-

ram, a province of India.

Welcome to the world of Adventure: Sajek Valley

SWITZERLAND– BANGLADESH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INDUSTRY

(SBCCI)

CONTACT ADDRESS

House 37, Road 24, Gulshan Avenue

Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

Phone: (+880 2) 9862740, 9862857, 9862758; Ext: 506

Fax: (+8802) 9862910

Email: [email protected];

Web: www.sbccibd.org

ISSUE-11-12 PAGE 33

CONTACT PERSON

Sharmin Akter

Executive

Corporate Affairs and Administration, SBCCI.

Business hours: 10:00AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday to Thursday

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.sbccibd.com/

OUR MEMBERS

PAGE 34 ISSUE-11-12

1 Novartis (Bangladesh) Limited

2 SGS Bangladesh Ltd.

3 Holcim Cement (Bangladesh) Ltd.

4 Nestlé Bangladesh Limited

5 Syngenta Bangladesh Limited

6 Roche Bangladesh Limited

7 Sanofi Bangladesh Ltd

8 SECURE LINK SERVICES BD LTD.

9 Kuehne+Negal

10 ABB Limited

11 TEXXIT BD.

12 Clarichem Ltd.

13 Swiss BioHygienic Equipments Limited

14 Giant Group

15 Aamra Infotainment Limited

16 Hasnat Enterprise & Swiss Elegance

17 ASSL Textile

18 Creative Engineers Ltd.

19 AEGIS INTERNATIONAL

20 Dohatec New Media

21 M/s. Textools Agency Ltd

22 M&H Informatics (BD) Ltd.

23 Arifs (BD) Limited

24 R.H. Corporation

25 Saco Watch Company

26 W & W Grains Corporation

27 M. H. Traders/Prime Pharma

28 Swiss Colours Bangladesh Ltd

29 Textile Associates Ltd.

30 Associated Technology Ltd.

31 Tutelar Oil Services Co. (Pvt.) Ltd.

32 Daffodil Trading House Ltd.

33 Xin Bangla Fabrics

34 New Asia Ltd.

35 Habib Bank AG Zurich

36 Baby Nutrition Ltd.

37 Digital Medical Systems Limited

Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry Happy New Year 2018 ! Thank you for all the supports in 2017. We‟ve

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