Bangladesh is increasingly on the radar of the international investment community. Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase are betting that Bangladesh may be the next Asian success story. In 2007, Citigroup became the first foreign lender to get a license to offer merchant banking and investment banking services in the country.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) is organizing a business delegation to Bangladesh.

Trade between Singapore and the Bangladesh rose by 26% in 2006 to S$1.7 billion. Overall, Bangladesh was Singapore's 36th largest trading partner in 2006. In terms of exports, Bangladesh was Singapore's 27th largest export market in 2006. Key exports were industrial machinery, petroleum and products, office and data machines, power generating machinery and non-ferrous metals. Imports rose from S$158.4 million in 2005 to S$180.3 million in 2006. Main import items were clothing, petroleum and products, industrial machinery, iron and steel and sea product preparation.

JP Morgan produced a report in April 2007 ('From Ho Chi Minh Trail to Mexico') where they included Bangladesh in their 'Frontier Five'. The Frontier Five was selected on the relative attractiveness of these markets based on macro-economic and demographic trends.'It is the demographics of Bangladesh that justifies its inclusion in the JPMorgan Frontier Five. The country ranks fourth in growth in economically active population. Five-year economic growth is strong at 6.1% (CAGR). Progress has been made over the last few years to reduce poverty, increasing literacy levels and moderating population growth to a more sustainable level. An assertive judiciary, active civil society and a relatively free media have increased public accountability'.

If your business has been looking for a viable test-bed to gain greater access and success in Bangladesh, this mission is the perfect platform for you to break new grounds for your products and services, as well as gain first-hand on-site understanding of the opportunities in the country. Networking sessions, as well as specially arranged briefings and meetings during this trip will bring you direct contacts with key businessmen and officials from Bangladesh, who will provide practical advice and valuable link-ups on your investments and ventures into the markets.

About Bangladesh A young and dynamic population of almost 150mn with extremely competitive labour costs across a broad range of sectors. Good standards of English literacy and a strong entrepreneurial ethos. Global competitiveness in textiles can be replicated in other industries and many untapped investment opportunities in new industries such as outsourcing and pharmaceuticals. An investor friendly regulatory environment and the potential for rapid development of local capital markets. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has released a new report entitled "Doing Business in South Asia-2007". The South Asia report covers 8 countries and Bangladesh has the third most business-friendly regulations in South Asia.

Who Should participate?
For Singapore businesses looking:

• For global networking/business matching opportunities with potential clients and suppliers.
• To market and grow your business internationally, especially into Bangladesh.
• To launch or introduce new products or services into Bangladesh.

Business opportunities have been identified in the following industries:

• Infrastructure
• Energy (gas & petrochemical)
• Food & Beverage
• Manufacturing
• Service
• Health
• Education

# Details subject to change and confirmation with the organisers. We would require businesses that are keen to participate in the business mission to Bangaldesh 2009 to INDICATE YOUR INTEREST TO US BY 1 Apr 2009.

*As company profiles and interests etc need to be translated into the various languages, we would appreciate it if you can revert by 1 April 2009.

For more information, please contact Alan Tan 6827 6894 or Chi Howe at 6827 6855.