A team of Oldham business leaders were selected to attend a Bangladeshi business summit to network, develop international links and meet the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

Oldham businessmen, Mashukul Hoque, Anwar Ali OBE and Muzahid Khan DL were invited to attend the Bangladesh International Business Summit 2023 earlier this month to learn about the country's economic recovery and share their own expertise.

The bi-annual conference was organised by The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and was addressed by H. E. Sheik Hasina, The Honourable Prime Minister of the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

The Oldham team, who are behind local initiatives in the North West such as the Asian Business Leaders Awards, heard how Bangladesh has rebuilt its economy "from scratch" to a £1 trillion economy in half a century.

The international gathering was particularly significant given the country's recent celebration of 50 years of independence - and Oldham's historic links with Bangladesh.

Muzahid Khan said: “Like Oldham, Bangladesh’s output has historically been built upon textiles, but it has enjoyed a remarkable upturn over the last 13 years thanks to new technologies and more recently investment in transport links, opening of many hi-tech parks and the focus on technology to grow is very promising.

“The country has also invested in people – and that is crucial, providing good education for all and a sense of togetherness.

"That is why I believe they have recovered so well as a country from Covid-19.”

Through his business and charitable activities, Mr Khan has seen and honoured many young Oldham businesses that have adopted this same philosophy with great reward.

He added: “These businesses have very much seen that we are now a global economy and that using our heritage can open up new markets across places such as South Asia.

"For people in Oldham that means increased prosperity, more jobs, opportunities to learn new skills and an increasingly friendly relationship with countries beyond these shores.”

The meeting proved to be a great networking opportunity as the Oldham business leaders met with individuals from around the globe and discussed the familiar challenges they have faced.

Mr Kahn added: “The World Bank recently said 'to achieve its vision of attaining upper middle-income status by 2031, Bangladesh needs to create jobs and employment opportunities through a competitive business environment, increase human capital and build a skilled labour force, build efficient infrastructure, and establish a policy environment that attracts private investment'.

"To me, this sounds very like what we require in Oldham.

"Our young people need to be equipped with the skills that make them ready for work and our employees, valued.

"Crucially, we need to market Oldham as a place to do business and invest in.

"Thankfully, what I see around me is the will, the enthusiasm and the creativity to do that."