www.ibfb.org

IBFB

International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB)

IBFB at a Glance

• International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) was formed under the Companies Act 1994 and incorporated on 14th September 2005.

• IBFB represents nonpartisan, Bangladeshi and foreign business owners and executives.

• IBFB’s membership comprises of all classes of entrepreneurs from all over Bangladesh and foreign countries.

• IBFB contacts internationally renowned market

research companies to conduct public opinion research nationwide.

• One of IBFB’s most important roles is policy advocacy for business community to promote the Economic interests of Commerce and Industry and to stimulate the activity of the business community

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• Vision: To be a truly representative business forum and supporter of the private sector for creating a climate where decisions at all levels are more transparent for a prosperous economy.

• Mission: Identify common problems and present solutions to the decision makers for positive changes in business environment by providing leadership, advocacy, connectivity and support. IBFB works as a “Bridge between the Stakeholders and the Policy Makers”.

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Objectives of IBFB

• Improve the business climate by addressing pressing issues that hinder smooth operation of business activities;

• Critique and suggest ways & means towards the formulation and implementation of government policy in respect of good governance, corruption, transparency and accountability for creating enabling business environment;

• Promote trade interest of its members through collection,

analysis, dissemination and exchange of updated trade information;

• Conduct Business Study/Research/Training/Promoting

business advocacy issue in response to current business issues/needs;

• Play an instrumental role in networking Bangladeshi

businesses to the prospective foreign investors worldwide;

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The activities that IBFB is doing for the Business community

Act as a link point for promoting business opportunities with other prospective countries.

Trying to improve the business climate by addressing pressing issues such as high interest rates, tax evasion, transport inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape as an advocacy group.

Articulate better business practices/policies to the general public and relevant government agencies.

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Why IBFB? Members would benefit from more transparent business

practices.

Members will do their part to harness ‘power’ of the business group and make contributions to reform policies.

Members are interested in networking with other foreign businesses in Bangladesh who are also eager to see sound economic policies.

Members will receive training from international business association experts who have been successful in impacting policy in their own countries.

Members will help formulate a business agenda, lobby the

government for change and devise solid policies at IBFB meetings and seminars.

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Founding Members of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh

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IBFB is run by a 15 member-board. The President, Vice-President and Treasurer act as office bearers of IBFB where the President is the Chief Executive Officer.

• The Board of Directors are:

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15 Ms. Umme Fatema Member

IBFB Standing CommitteesIBFB has 6 Standing Committees. Which are:

1) Industry Leadership Committee2) Governmental Relations and Advocacy

Committee3) Publicity and Public Relations Committee4) Liaison Committee5) Economic Development Committee6) Finance Committee

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IBFB Projects

Projects with IRI

Addressing key issues of development concerning business community an agreement was signed between IRI and IBFB for undertaking different projects that will engage business community in dialogue with key local and national government and civil society leaders.

IBFB undertook 4 Development Projects in collaboration with International Republican Institute (IRI)

– Study on Power and Energy Sector of Bangladesh – Study on Economic Policies of the Political Parties in Bangladesh– Study circles with Journalists and Business Community – Study on Intellectual Property Rights for Software

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IBFB Projects

Project with USAID PROGATI:IBFB pledged to undertake “Mobilizing the Private Sector to

encourage and support Anti Corruption Reform”: An agreement between IBFB and USAID-PROGATI

Planned Outputs of the Projects• A comprehensive work plan for the implementation of all

grant-funded activities, including timelines and milestones, and methods to gauge program output and impact;

• Two Research Projects that focus on anti-corruption issues that are high priority for the business community and have great impact on local businesses;

• Presentation of research findings to the public using innovative and creative methods

• Two meetings with key stakeholders in the business community and within government , resulting in a report on priority issues and recommended methods for promoting business interests in the context of good governance

• A study of other regional private sector led transparency and accountability drives, resulting in a report on opportunities and challenges IBFB might face as they take on these issues and recommendations for future actions

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IBFB Partners

USAIDPROGATIInternational Republican Institute (IRI)

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Some moments of Activities and Events of IBFB

Launching ceremony of

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President, IBFB is signing the grant agreement on “Mobilizing the Private Sector to Encourage and Support Anti-Corruption Reform” on behalf of IBFB in the presence of Mr.

Johannes Go, Grant Manager, USAID-PROGATI.

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H.E. Japanese Ambassador Mr. Masayuki Inoue is presenting a key note paper at the discussion session

on “Problems of FDI in Bangladesh".

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Pre budget Discussion in

May 2007, with the former

Canadian High Commissioner

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The 3rd annual General Meeting of IBFB held on January 30, 2008.

IBFBIBFBQ & A Session on “Regulatory Reforms Commission, The hopes and Aspiration of the Business Community”

Seminar on ‘Role of Media in Business Advocacy’

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Discussion Session on ‘The Need of Energy Producers and Government Perspective’

Press Briefing of IBFB

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Participants are seen at the study circle meeting on ‘Financing Needs of Enterprises’ at La Vinci Hotel, Dhaka in May 31, 2008

Bi-monthly Lunch Meeting on “World Economic Crisis and its Impact on Bangladesh”

H.E. James F Moriarty, Ambassador of the United States of America, attended the meeting as Chief Guest and presented a key note paper

Discussion on possibilities of co-operation between IBFB and the EU.

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A partial view of the stakeholder’s meeting to select Research Topic to be conducted by IBFB

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Social Welfare Activities of IBFB

As part of its social activities IBFB donated Tk. 50000 to a school for underprivileged children. IBFB members also voluntarily participate in providing relief and donations for humanitarian causes.

Future activities of IBFB Creating Business leaders.

Building up the key Business sectors.Undertaking projects that will help gather ideas on how to tackle corruption that hampers smooth business activityUndertaking projects in relation to improving Local Governance in BangladeshOpening branches in the other major cities in Bangladesh.Networking with similar organization

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Thank you all for your kind attention….