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Bristol businessman represents European trade delegation
A Bristol-based businessman and environmental campaigner has completed a trade delegation to Bangladesh with the aim of boosting “mutual cooperation and trade ties” between the UK/EU and Bangladesh.
Naseem Talukdar recently visited Bangladesh as part of a drive to promote trade between the South East Asian nation and Europe. Talukdar, representing Projects Against Plastic (PAP) and the recruitment firm Regency, joined a delegation at a non-governmental and not-for-profit event.
The Fishponds-based businessman was holding talks with health, education and agricultural ministers, including Bangladesh’s interim leader Dr Muhammad Yunus.
The event aimed to foster a “new era of partnership” across the UK, EU, and Bangladesh, strengthening commercial ties and promoting sustainable business practices.
Talukdar, who founded Regency to supply seasonal workers for UK horticulture from climate-affected countries in South-East Asia, emphasised the mutual benefits of trade and investment between the regions.
Naseem Talukdar recently visited Bangladesh where he represented an EU delegation at a non-governmental and not-for-profit event
“Trade and investment between the regions is beneficial all round. We will also look at sustainable business practices,” Talukdar stated.
The trade delegation included some 20 professionals from various sectors, including research, business consultancy, food and beverage and tourism.
The European Bangladesh Federation of Commerce and Industry (EBFCI) organised the event to foster commerce, investment, and knowledge sharing, identifying challenges and opportunities.
Talukdar, a second-generation Bangladeshi highlighted the importance of further collaboration between the EU and Bangladesh.
He said: “Working together helps make agriculture sustainable in both the UK and Bangladesh. It helps to share knowledge, resources, and labour. It helps that they harvest at different times of the year and have complementary needs.”
The delegation was led by Dr Wali Tasar Uddin, president of EBFCI, who reiterated their commitment to responsible business practices, environmental sustainability, and social impact.
The event, held in Dhaka from September 28 to October 5, aimed to identify trade barriers, challenges, and investment opportunities, focusing on infrastructure, growth potential, and sustainable practices.
Talukdar, a second-generation Bangladeshi who launched a Plastic Free Ramadan campaign, highlighted the importance of further collaboration
Talukdar highlighted how seasonal work could support sustainable practices. The UK government has committed to making 43,000 visas available for the horticulture sector in 2025 to address labour shortages. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi government introduced a Remittance Incentive Program to encourage legitimate remittance channels.
He said: “Seasonal workers, who may face flash flooding, fewer crops, and little income back home, can support the UK food supply as well as their home economy.”
Talukdar also launched a ‘One Tree per Student’ initiative under PAP, aiming to plant one million trees in Bangladesh by next year, with plans to expand globally.
Additionally, he is exploring ways to tackle food waste in Bangladesh to create a circular economy and renewable energy, including the potential for anaerobic digestion plants in each city.
Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and interim leader of Bangladesh, attended the proceedings. Known as the “banker to the poorest of the poor,” Yunus expressed optimism about post-protest recovery from trade and business disruptions.
The trade tour is set to mark a significant step towards enhancing trade relations and promoting sustainable practices between the UK, EU, and Bangladesh.
Returning to Bristol, Talukdar told Bristol24/7 that he is “optimistic about the future cooperations between the two regions”. He said: “It was a great opportunity to meet the advisors to the interim government and we are hopeful this government will continue to bring stability.
“This is just the beginning and collaboration is the way forward. We intend to further promote environmental policies and have forged strong relations with various bodies.”
PAP has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Amal Foundation, a charity that provides humanitarian needs.
Talukdar signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Amal Foundation, a charity that provides humanitarian needs
Before rounding off his tour, Talukdar met with members from Dhaka University and Sylhet University (SUST) to engage on sustainable and research projects.
To learn more about Projects Against Plastic, visit www.pap.org.uk
All photos: Naseem Talukdar
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