T&IB’s Cross-Border Trade & Investment Support Solutions

Md. Joynal Abdin

Founder & CEO, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)

Executive Director, Online Training Academy (OTA)

Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

 

As Bangladesh transitions into a competitive, export-driven economy, the importance of seamless cross-border trade and strategic foreign investment has never been greater. In 2023, Bangladesh recorded over $55 billion in export earnings, with ready-made garments contributing more than 80% of total exports. At the same time, FDI inflows crossed $3.4 billion, signaling strong investor confidence in the country’s growing market and manufacturing capabilities. To capitalize on this momentum, businesses need more than just ambition, they need expert guidance, international networks, and localized support.

 

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) was established to bridge that exact gap. As a dedicated facilitator of global business, T&IB delivers a suite of services designed to empower Bangladeshi enterprises to go global, while attracting foreign investors to local opportunities. Whether navigating foreign regulations, identifying overseas buyers, or fostering cross-border partnerships, T&IB acts as a strategic partner throughout the entire internationalization journey.

 

By offering a unique mix of commercial intelligence, matchmaking programs, trade facilitation, and policy advocacy, T&IB positions itself as a vital player in expanding Bangladesh’s footprint on the global stage. As trade corridors evolve and global supply chains diversify, organizations like T&IB are crucial in ensuring that Bangladeshi businesses don’t just participate, but lead, in the future of international trade.

 

 

2. The Role of T&IB in Cross-Border Trade & Investment

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) plays a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s global economic integration by serving as a proactive enabler of cross-border trade and foreign investment. At a time when businesses are navigating increasingly complex global markets, T&IB offers a structured, professional, and strategic platform to help Bangladeshi exporters, SMEs, and investors tap into international opportunities while also attracting global enterprises to explore Bangladesh’s dynamic market potential.

 

At the heart of T&IB’s work is a commitment to connecting Bangladeshi businesses with international markets, leveraging its extensive global network of trade bodies, diplomatic missions, chambers of commerce, and private sector players. The organization not only facilitates buyer-seller linkages and investor matchmaking, but also provides crucial guidance on international regulations, market entry strategies, and country-specific business environments. Through tailored trade support, T&IB ensures that businesses are not only introduced to new markets but are also well-prepared to compete within them.

 

Beyond direct business facilitation, T&IB also serves as a policy advocate and ecosystem builder, working closely with government agencies, industry associations, and development partners to create a more supportive environment for international trade and investment. By addressing structural challenges, promoting trade-friendly policies, and advancing capacity-building initiatives, T&IB strengthens the foundation upon which Bangladesh’s global trade ambitions can thrive.

3. Core Service Pillars: T&IB’s Trade & Investment Solutions

3.1. Market Entry & Intelligence

3.1.1 Commercial Due Diligence

Before entering unfamiliar markets or engaging in international partnerships, businesses need accurate, risk-aware insights. T&IB’s commercial due diligence services provide critical evaluations of potential partners, sectors, and geographies to support informed decision-making. This is particularly valuable for Bangladeshi firms looking to expand into high-potential but complex regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, or the Middle East. With global cross-border M&A volume exceeding $1.7 trillion in 2023, due diligence has become essential to mitigating risks and uncovering hidden growth levers—something T&IB enables for both outbound and inbound opportunities.

 

3.1.2 Market Research and Feasibility Studies

Understanding a new market requires more than just surface-level insights. T&IB conducts comprehensive market research and feasibility studies, helping Bangladeshi exporters and investors validate demand, assess competition, and identify regulatory or logistical barriers before committing resources. In 2023, over 65% of SMEs in South Asia cited “lack of market knowledge” as a major hurdle to internationalization. T&IB addresses this by offering sector-specific, data-driven research tailored to product categories and destination markets, ensuring businesses make confident, evidence-based moves abroad.

 

3.1.3 Investment Climate Analysis

For foreign investors eyeing Bangladesh, understanding the broader business environment is crucial. T&IB offers investment climate analysis that evaluates political stability, ease of doing business, tax frameworks, labor markets, and infrastructure readiness. Bangladesh has shown promising signs, moving up to 73rd in the Global Competitiveness Index (2023) and maintaining over 6% GDP growth annually over the last decade. T&IB translates these macro trends into sector-specific insights, helping investors identify viable sectors such as textiles, IT, agribusiness, and renewable energy with clarity and confidence.

 

3.2 Business Matchmaking & Networking

3.2.1 Buyer-Seller Matchmaking

T&IB’s buyer-seller matchmaking services play a central role in connecting Bangladeshi exporters with qualified international buyers, distributors, and sourcing agents. With global e-commerce and digital trade expected to reach $6.3 trillion in 2024, the need for credible, curated trade connections is greater than ever. T&IB uses sectoral intelligence and verified networks to facilitate targeted B2B meetings—eliminating guesswork and accelerating deal-making. For SMEs especially, this service acts as a bridge to enter supply chains that were once dominated by larger players.

 

3.2.2 B2B/B2G Networking Events

Recognizing the power of strategic relationship-building, T&IB organizes business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) networking events both in Bangladesh and abroad. These platforms enable enterprises to pitch their offerings, explore collaborations, and engage directly with government policymakers and regulators from target markets. In 2023, T&IB co-hosted over 20 international networking events, facilitating hundreds of introductions that led to MOUs, joint ventures, and new market entries. These forums are especially impactful in sectors like garments, pharmaceuticals, and ICT—where policy, compliance, and partnerships play a critical role in global growth.

 

3.2.3 Trade Delegations and Virtual Trade Missions

To expand global outreach without logistical barriers, T&IB regularly facilitates outbound trade delegations and virtual trade missions, allowing Bangladeshi companies to showcase their products and services in high-potential foreign markets. With travel disruptions still affecting business travel post-pandemic, virtual missions have grown by over 300% globally since 2020, proving to be cost-effective and impactful alternatives. These initiatives not only help exporters connect with buyers and investors, but also provide immersive exposure to foreign market dynamics—laying the groundwork for sustainable cross-border partnerships.

 

3.3 Trade Facilitation & Support

3.2.1 Export-Import Advisory

T&IB’s export-import advisory services are designed to support businesses at every stage of their international trade journey—from HS code classification and tariff analysis to partner identification and INCOTERMS selection. With Bangladesh’s total trade volume crossing $130 billion in FY2022-23, there is a growing demand for expert guidance to navigate complex procedures and maximize profitability. T&IB provides tailored advisory solutions to exporters and importers across industries, helping them optimize sourcing, pricing, and distribution strategies while avoiding costly delays or errors.

 

3.2.2 Logistics and Documentation Support

Efficient logistics and accurate documentation are critical to successful cross-border trade. T&IB offers end-to-end support for managing shipping processes, coordinating with freight forwarders, and preparing export-import documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and more. Given that over 15% of trade disruptions globally are linked to documentation errors or logistics inefficiencies, this service ensures compliance, speed, and cost-effectiveness—especially for first-time exporters or companies scaling into new regions.

 

3.2.3 Cross-Border Compliance and Regulatory Guidance

Every destination market has unique rules around product standards, labeling, customs clearance, taxation, and environmental compliance. T&IB provides businesses with comprehensive regulatory guidance to ensure that their operations and products meet the legal requirements of target countries. For example, complying with EU market access regulations or obtaining Gulf region product certifications can be highly technical—yet essential for long-term trade success. With non-tariff barriers accounting for up to 70% of trade costs in some developing regions, T&IB helps Bangladeshi businesses proactively manage compliance and reduce risk in global transactions.

 

3.3 Capacity Building & Policy Advocacy

3.3.1 Workshops and Training for Exporters/Investors

T&IB offers specialized workshops and training programs aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Bangladeshi exporters and investors. These sessions cover critical topics such as international trade regulations, market entry strategies, digital marketing for exports, and export finance. With over 40% of SMEs in Bangladesh lacking the necessary knowledge to expand internationally, T&IB’s capacity-building efforts are designed to fill this gap and empower businesses with the skills they need to succeed. By equipping participants with hands-on knowledge, T&IB ensures they are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of global trade and investment.

 

3.3.2 Advocacy with Government and Regional Bodies

As part of its commitment to improving the business environment, T&IB plays an active role in advocacy with government and regional bodies. T&IB engages with policymakers, trade ministries, and regional organizations to create trade-friendly policies and remove barriers to cross-border commerce. Through its efforts, T&IB has successfully contributed to policy reforms that streamline customs processes, improve investment regulations, and strengthen trade relations with key partners. In fact, in 2023, Bangladesh moved up to 168th in the Ease of Doing Business ranking—a testament to the collaborative work between T&IB and government stakeholders.

 

3.3.3 Collaborations with Chambers and Trade Associations

T&IB also fosters collaborations with local and international chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry groups to further its mission of promoting cross-border trade. These partnerships help strengthen industry networks, share knowledge, and amplify T&IB’s outreach. By aligning with established trade bodies such as the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), T&IB ensures that businesses are connected to influential stakeholders who can support their expansion efforts. These collaborations not only improve market access but also provide a platform for companies to voice concerns and influence trade policy development.

3.4 International Business Enablement

3.4.1 Local Representation / Office Setup Services

T&IB offers local representation and office setup services to help businesses establish a physical presence in target foreign markets. This is especially beneficial for companies looking to expand into regions where a local office is critical for building trust with partners and customers. Whether it’s providing a point of contact for overseas operations, helping to secure office space, or advising on staffing, T&IB ensures that businesses can quickly and efficiently set up in compliance with local laws and business practices. This service is vital, as over 60% of foreign businesses report that having local representation is a key success factor in international expansion.

 

3.4.2 Translation & Localization Services

Effective communication across cultures is essential for successful cross-border trade. T&IB’s translation and localization services help businesses adapt their marketing materials, legal documents, and product information for international markets. This includes not only language translation but also cultural and regulatory adaptation to ensure relevance and compliance. For example, the global localization market is expected to exceed $50 billion by 2026, driven by businesses needing tailored content for specific regions. T&IB’s expertise ensures that companies can present themselves in ways that resonate with foreign customers while avoiding potential cultural missteps.

 

3.4.3 Legal Structuring & Tax Planning for International Operations

Navigating the legal and tax complexities of cross-border operations requires specialized knowledge. T&IB provides legal structuring and tax planning services to ensure businesses optimize their operations in foreign markets. This includes advice on the best legal structures for international subsidiaries, tax-efficient strategies, intellectual property protection, and compliance with local business laws. With Bangladesh’s FDI inflows surpassing $3.4 billion in recent years, proper legal and tax planning is crucial for maximizing returns and minimizing risks. T&IB’s experts guide businesses through these processes, ensuring they meet all regulatory requirements while maximizing profitability across borders.

3.5 Trade Promotion & Marketing

3.5.1 Cross-border Digital Marketing Campaigns

In today’s globalized world, digital marketing has become a cornerstone of cross-border trade. T&IB offers cross-border digital marketing campaigns that are specifically tailored to reach international audiences, utilizing SEO, social media platforms, and digital advertising. By leveraging data-driven strategies and understanding regional preferences, T&IB ensures that Bangladeshi products and services are marketed effectively across borders. With global digital advertising spend exceeding $500 billion in 2023, businesses are increasingly turning to online channels to expand their reach. T&IB helps exporters harness the full potential of digital marketing to build brand awareness and drive sales in new markets.

 

3.5.2 Participation in International Trade Fairs & Expos

Participating in international trade fairs and expos is one of the most effective ways for businesses to showcase their products, connect with global buyers, and stay ahead of industry trends. T&IB facilitates Bangladeshi businesses’ participation in major trade shows, ensuring that they have the right tools and support to maximize exposure. In 2023 alone, over 150,000 exhibitors participated in global trade fairs, generating billions in direct sales and new partnerships. T&IB helps businesses navigate the logistical and promotional aspects of these events, making them a valuable opportunity for direct market penetration and networking with international buyers.

 

3.5.3 Product Certification Support (CE, FDA, etc.)

Navigating product certification processes is essential for entering international markets, especially for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics. T&IB assists businesses in obtaining crucial certifications such as CE (for the European market), FDA approval (for food and drug products in the U.S.), and other regional standards. These certifications not only ensure compliance with international regulations but also enhance a product’s credibility in foreign markets. With the global market for certified products valued at over $2 trillion, gaining the right certifications can open doors to new opportunities and ensure that products meet the necessary quality standards for export.

4. Strategic Partnerships & Global Networks

T&IB understands that in today’s interconnected global market, strategic partnerships and robust networks are key to sustaining long-term success in cross-border trade. By forming strategic partnerships with foreign trade bodies, industry groups, and diplomatic missions, T&IB provides Bangladeshi businesses with unparalleled access to global markets and decision-makers. The organization’s extensive network includes international chambers of commerce, multinational corporations, and regional trade associations, allowing businesses to tap into a broad spectrum of resources and opportunities. In 2023, T&IB expanded its global footprint by forging new alliances with over 15 trade organizations across Asia, Europe, America and the Middle East. These collaborations empower Bangladeshi firms to enter foreign markets more easily, while also positioning Bangladesh as a trusted trade partner on the global stage.

5. Future Outlook: Scaling Up Global Trade from Bangladesh

As global trade continues to evolve, T&IB is focused on expanding its services and deepening its impact by leveraging new technologies and forging stronger international relationships. Over the next five years, T&IB’s roadmap includes expanding its digital trade support infrastructure, enhancing market intelligence tools, and offering more targeted trade facilitation services tailored to high-potential sectors like IT, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. By establishing local offices in key markets such as the EU, the U.S., and Southeast Asia, T&IB aims to further strengthen its ability to connect Bangladeshi businesses with international buyers and investors, positioning Bangladesh as a hub for global trade and investment.

 

5.1 Digital Transformation in Trade Support

The digital transformation of trade support services is a key focus for T&IB as it seeks to modernize the way Bangladeshi businesses engage with international markets. By introducing AI-driven market analysis, automated matchmaking platforms, and cloud-based documentation systems, T&IB aims to streamline trade processes, making them more efficient and accessible. In line with the rise of e-commerce and digital trade, which reached an estimated $6.3 trillion globally in 2024, T&IB is also planning to enhance virtual trade missions and online B2B networks, ensuring that businesses can tap into global opportunities without physical barriers. This digital-first approach will play a critical role in helping SMEs scale their operations internationally.

 

5.2 Vision for Positioning Bangladesh in Global Value Chains

T&IB’s long-term vision is to position Bangladesh as a pivotal player in global value chains, capitalizing on the country’s strengths in manufacturing, textiles, and agriculture, while also diversifying into high-value industries such as technology and renewable energy. With global supply chains increasingly looking for resilient and efficient sourcing alternatives, Bangladesh has the potential to become a key supplier of quality goods and services. By enhancing its trade infrastructure, promoting industry collaboration, and investing in skills development, T&IB aims to ensure that Bangladeshi businesses not only participate in but also lead value chains in key global industries. This will solidify Bangladesh’s position as a competitive, reliable, and sustainable source of goods for the world.

 

6. Call to Action: Partner with T&IB

As Bangladesh continues to emerge as a key player in global trade, the opportunity for businesses, investors, and institutions to engage in this exciting journey has never been greater. Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) invites you to partner with us to unlock new markets, drive sustainable growth, and expand your global footprint. Whether you’re an exporter seeking international buyers, an investor exploring opportunities, or a business looking for tailored trade support, T&IB offers a comprehensive suite of services to help you achieve your goals.

 

To get started, simply reach out to T&IB for personalized assistance or register for specific services that match your needs. Our team is ready to guide you through every step of your cross-border trade and investment journey. Contact us today via:

📞 Phone: +880 1553 676767
📧 Email: in**@**************************sh.com
🌐 Website: https://tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com

 

Together, let’s scale up global trade from Bangladesh and create new business opportunities across borders.

7. Closing Remarks:

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) is dedicated to providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to empower businesses in Bangladesh and beyond to thrive in the global marketplace. With a focus on facilitating cross-border trade, fostering investment, and ensuring compliance with international standards, T&IB plays an essential role in driving the growth of Bangladeshi enterprises on the global stage. Whether it’s offering commercial intelligence, organizing strategic business matchmaking, or guiding companies through regulatory complexities, T&IB equips businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the international trade landscape. These services not only contribute to the expansion of Bangladesh’s trade footprint but also enhance the country’s position as a competitive, reliable business hub.

 

As Bangladesh continues to emerge as an economic powerhouse, the need for collaboration between local and international companies has never been more crucial. T&IB warmly invites local entrepreneurs, global investors, and foreign companies to explore the vast opportunities available through our tailored services. Together, we can create lasting partnerships, drive economic growth, and position Bangladesh at the forefront of global trade. Whether you’re looking to expand your business or tap into new markets, T&IB is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to unlock the potential of cross-border trade and investment.