Four exporters receive HSBC excellence awards

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in Bangladesh has recognised four local companies with the HSBC Export Excellence Awards for their contribution to the country's export growth and global trade competitiveness.

The award recipients are Flamingo Fashions Limited, NZ Tex Group, Janata Jute Mills Limited and Sadat Jute Industries Limited, and Ulkasemi Pvt Limited.

The awards were handed over at an event at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka yesterday. The programme was organised in partnership with the commerce ministry and the British High Commission in Dhaka, while KPMG Advisory Services was the technical partner.

Mohammad Enayetur Rahman, chief executive officer and president of Ulkasemi, Md Saleudh Zaman Khan, managing director of NZ Tex Group, Md Abdul Jabbar, managing director of Flamingo Fashions Limited, and Helal Ahmed, deputy managing director of Janata Jute Mills Limited and Sadat Jute Industries Limited, received the awards.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin attended the event as the chief guest. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke joined as the special guest. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, HSBC Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Md Mahbub ur Rahman and representatives from a wide range of sectors were also present.

This year's winners were chosen based on several factors, such as annual contribution to national exports and the wider economy, diversity, responsibility, sustainable business practices, strength in governance, and regulatory compliance, HSBC said in a statement.

Flamingo Fashions Limited received the Export Excellence award in the ready-made garments category for export revenue of $100 million and above.

The vertically integrated manufacturer produces 44 million pieces a year and supplies brands in 50 countries. It has invested in GRS-certified recycling, renewable energy, and water-efficient dyeing as part of a broader sustainability drive.

NZ Tex Group won in the ready-made garments backward linkage category for export revenue of $50 million and above.

The group produces 52,000 tonnes of yarn annually across spinning, woven, denim and linen operations. It holds certifications from several international sustainability bodies for its work in renewable energy and water-saving initiatives.

Janata Jute Mills Limited and Sadat Jute Industries Limited received the award in the non-traditional and emerging sectors manufacturing category for export revenue of $10 million and above.

The company was recognised for expanding jute into technical textiles, geo textiles and sustainable packaging, with exports reaching nearly 90 countries.

Alongside classic hessian and sacking, the firm now produces technical textiles, geo textiles, non-woven felt, retail accessories and eco-friendly packaging.

The use of renewable energy, resource-efficient operations and investment in workforce development highlight its advancement as an emerging leader in modern manufacturing.

Ulkasemi Pvt Limited won in the non-traditional and emerging sectors category for export revenue of $5 million and above.

As a design centre alliance partner of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, one of only 29 globally, Ulkasemi provides design, verification, custom layouts and post-silicon services for clients in the United States, China, Taiwan and India.

"Today's awards celebrate the grit and ambition of our exporters, but the path ahead requires strategic evolution," said HSBC Bangladesh CEO Rahman.

"While acknowledging the current success, we must work collaboratively for the country to achieve greater market diversification and maximise the benefits of existing and future preferential trade agreements," he added.

BUSINESSES CALL FOR STABILITY

At the event, business leaders were asked about the challenges they faced over the past 12 months. They pointed to "mob justice", political uncertainty and frequent policy shifts as major concerns.

AK Azad, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said anxiety has grown among businesses as many fear becoming targets of false cases. Some vested groups have filed baseless allegations against entrepreneurs.

Abdul Hai Sarkar, president of the Bangladesh Association of Banks, said he believed these fears and wider challenges would ease once the national election is held.

At the programme, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said the country has huge potential to expand and diversify its exports.

He said the private sector must drive this diversification. "Diversification should start from our best performing sector RMG."

The BB governor said exporters need to broaden their markets and explore new sectors, as they already understand global value chains and have room to expand.

The governor said he would always stand by exporters on the exchange rate policy.

Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's economic growth through trade, investment and strategic partnerships, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusive development.

She said UK businesses have long contributed to Bangladesh's progress, from finance to fashion. "After Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status, exports can only be the engine of economic growth and job creation."

She added that trade success rests on people, partnerships and shared values.

The high commissioner said the UK is working with the interim government to improve the ease of doing business, including reducing red tape through initiatives with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

She added that the UK is also investing in Bangladesh's future through British International Investment and UK Export Finance, which have £2 billion available for projects in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy and aviation.

"Together, we can build a future that is innovative, resilient, and green," she said.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said exporters play a vital role in the country's economy.

"Our exporters are champions in resilience."

The adviser said the commerce ministry is working to support the private sector by prioritising competitiveness and innovation to help businesses secure greater export opportunities.