Eastern Bank opens China Business Desk

To facilitate cross-border business initiatives and banking services for trade business between China and Bangladesh, Eastern Bank Ltd (EBL) inaugurated a separate China Business Desk on Sunday (28 May). 

This one-stop solution center at the head office of EBL in Gulshan, aims to cater to the comprehensive banking needs of Chinese companies and investors operating in Bangladesh, reads a press release. 

Planning Minister MA Mannan, Md Jashim Uddin, president of FBCCI; Song Yang, economic and commercial counselor at Embassy of China to Bangladesh; Al Mamun Mridha, general secretary of Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI); Ke Changling, president of CEAB; Ali Reza Iftekhar, managing director and CEO of EBL; and Sohail Murshed, CEO of EBL Finance Hong Kong spoke on the occasion.

In his speech, Planning Minister MA Mannan expressed gratitude to China for its indispensable support in the construction of the Padma Bridge, which stands as a testament to the strong friendship between China and Bangladesh.  

He hoped the EBL China Business would better serve the banking needs of Chinese enterprises and investors in Bangladesh.

Ali Reza Iftekhar, managing director and CEO of EBL, highlighted China's significant share of nearly 17 percent in Bangladesh's total trade, surpassing India and the USA. 

He informed about China's growing interest in investing in sectors such as ICT, food processing, and renewable energy in Bangladesh.

Song Yang, economic and commercial counselor at Embassy of China to Bangladesh, said, "Chinese companies are willing to increase trade and investment with Bangladesh. The timely launching of China Business desk by EBL will better serve the operation of Chinese enterprises in Bangladesh, and make greater contribution to the development of China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation'

Ziaul Karim, head of communications and external affairs gave a presentation on the products and services specially designed for Chinese companies and individual customers.  

He informed there will be a dedicated email address (chinadesk@ebl-bd.com) for all sorts of banking queries.

Earlier in 2021, EBL opened a Japan business desk to offer comprehensive banking facilities to Japanese companies and investors in Bangladesh.