Asif Ibrahim @_asifibrahim_

In 2022, CSE planned to launch the country's first commodity exchange with the aim to reduce difference between prices paid by consumers & producers. The vision moves closer to reality with CSE obtaining the first ever commodity exchange license from BSEC. A historic day for CSE.

To hear the private sector perspectives on the state of the economy, a discussion & dinner was hosted by the World Bank Country Director in Bangladesh Abdoulaye Seck in honour of Anna Bjerde, Managing Director, Operations & Martin Raiser, VP, South Asia Region of the World Bank.

Wonderful dinner hosted by Ambassador Ashraf- Ud-Doula and Mrs Jasmin Doula. Stimulating discussions took place on a range of topics with the emissaries of Australia, Italy, Japan, India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Chairman of Malaysian Rubber Council Dato Sri Mohammad Suparadi Bin Md Noor met the BSEC Chairman Professor Shibli Rubayatul Islam to discuss mutual collaboration between MRC and the Commodities Exchange being established by CSE. Bilateral areas of cooperation were identified.

Spoke in the plenary session on the topic "Challenges and Opportunities in the New Economy, Digital Technology & Green Energy Driving Future Growth." Muslim nations must collectively lead fighting climate change threats by adopting green energy strategies using latest technology.

Arrived in Kuching, Sarawak to speak in the Global Muslim Business Forum 2023 on the theme Innovations and Transformation in Islamic Economies. The Hon. Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim will inaugurate the Forum.

Moderated the session "Upgrading infrastructure, paving for development, connectivity and tourism" in the BSEC/BIDA roadshow in Paris sponsored by DSE, CSE, CDBL & CCBL. French companies showed interest on surface water treatment plant, cargo logistics & circularity investments.

The BD delegation comprising of Secretary MoCA&T, Chairman CAAB, EC BIDA, Chairman BSEC, MP Jessore 3 and other dignitaries visited the Airbus aircraft and satellite production facilities in Toulouse, France. Airbus will be a good option for diversifying Bangladesh Biman fleet.

Meeting with Cyber Solutions by Thales on the topic of cyber security strategy and ensuring cyber resilience for Stock Exchanges of Bangladesh. Protecting critical information systems of Bangladesh capital markets against external threats is critical in the interconnected world.

Moderated the "Policy Session" of Bangladesh Climate Action Forum focused on the current policy landscape & needed changes. BCAF is a pvt. sector led initiative by Bangladesh Apparel Exchange for driving transformative changes towards a low-carbon & climate-resilient economy.

Emphasis on technology and data-driven approaches to improve the quality of life & governance is at the core of "Smart Citizen, Smart Bangladesh" framework. Education, skills, sustainability & governance a must. Spoke in the 40 Under 40 Smart Bangladesh ICT Summit & Awards 2023.

Late Alhaj Anwar Hossain was my leader who instilled core values. He ingrained qualities of leadership in us. We learnt how to speak with confidence and conviction regarding private sector challenges from him. He was the rock of Gibraltar of DCCI. Rest in peace dear Anwar chacha.

Delivered the keynote presentation titled "Building Resilience In a Polycrisis World" in Asia Risk and Resilience Conference 2023, Bangkok. I highlighted climate change impact on business in AsiaPac & how business can become more resilient to face impact of the natural disasters.

Huawei celebrated 25 years in Bangladesh with a gala celebration. The company highlighted it's involvement in many projects with the government as well as the private sector. The ICT & the Planning Ministers and Chinese Ambassador also spoke in the event.

Chaired the breakout session on disaster risk financing in the national symposium on “Private Sector’s Participation in disaster Risk Management: Towards Smart Bangladesh” organized by DCCI. Derivatives, securitization, insurance & green finance can be tools for this purpose.

Courtesy call on with the Minister of Foreign Affairs & former Chairman of CSE Dr. A.K Abdul Momen. Convener of CSE Broker's Association and former director Maj. Emdadul Islam (Retd) was also present.

H&M has been a trusted partner of Newage for more than 25 years and is the largest buyer of ready made garments from Bangladesh. The visit of H&M CEO Helena Helmersson further strengthens the bond between H&M and Bangladesh RMG sector focusing on sustainability & circularity.

Capital Market Stabilization Fund (CMSF) organized a view exchange meeting with concerned stakeholders coinciding with the Bangla Noboborsho. The event was followed by iftar. Cheques were handed to investors, loans to brokerage houses and PLC's deposited some due claims to CMSF.

"SME Platform, Alternative trading board, Yield based bond platform for trading of corporate bonds, SUKUK & government treasury bonds, shortened IPO approval time, introduction of equity and commodity derivatives will provide long term finance options for BD". FBCCI Summit 2023.

BASIS organized an impressive softexpo with the overarching theme of "smartverse". Spoke in the closing session Business Leader's Meet. Smart citizens, society, economy and government, the key pillars of "Smart Bangladesh" can kick off with a "smart" mindset.