Australia announces business partnership opportunities in Bangladesh for Covid-19 recovery

The Australian High Commission in Bangladesh, on Monday, announced a call for proposals to support Covid-19 economic recovery in Bangladesh under the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP), according to a press release.

The BPP is a flagship initiative of the Australian Government. It supports partnerships with businesses to deliver sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, while also ensuring commercial returns for business, it adds.

"Businesses will play an important role in building back better from Covid-19. In Bangladesh, this opportunity for businesses to partner with the Australian Government will help build livelihood opportunities, enhance gender equality and support resilient economic recovery," said Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, according to the statement. 

The BPP can co-finance with businesses to support Covid-19 economic recovery by establishing partnerships which contribute to digitalisation and ICT, skills development for workers and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, economic opportunities for women, or green recovery.

In Bangladesh, the Australian government is seeking partnerships in the following sectors: agriculture and agricultural technology, banking/financial inclusion, clean energy and energy efficiency, plus textiles and manufacturing. 

"Businesses can apply individually or in a consortium. The Australian Government will provide matched funding of up to AUD500,000 to successful business initiatives," it reads. 

Businesses with a commercial idea that could make a lasting social impact are encouraged to contact the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh or visit: www.thebpp.com.au for further information, read the press statement.

Applications are due November 4, 2020. To participate in an information session, those interested can register online at https://thebpp.com.au/call-for-partnerships/regional-call-for-partnerships/.

For more information, interest individuals may contact: the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh at ahc.dhaka@dfat.gov.au if in Dhaka, Bangladesh; or Corinne Roberts, Communications Manager, the Business Partnerships Platform corinne.roberts@thebpp.com.au, if in Canberra, Australia, adds the press statement.