On August 25, the Sweden–Bangladesh Business Council (SBBC) hosted its Executive Lunch-meeting at SEB’s premises in Stockholm. The event gathered members, partners, and distinguished guests for an afternoon of insights, exchange, and networking.
The lunch-meeting was opened by SBBC’s Chair, Ms. Nathalie Tranefeldt, who underlined the Council’s mission to connect Swedish expertise with Bangladesh’s development needs. She emphasized SBBC’s role as a platform for members to engage with decision-makers and discover concrete business opportunities, and warmly thanked SBBC member SEB for generously providing the beautiful venue for the meeting.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by the recently appointed Ambassador of Bangladesh to Sweden, Her Excellency Ms. Wahida Ahmed. In her presentation, “Bangladesh in Transition – Opportunities and Scope,” the Ambassador offered a broad political overview ahead of the February 2026 elections, while pointing to Bangladesh’s Vision 2035: a roadmap to transform the country into a regional manufacturing powerhouse and logistics hub.
H.E. Ms Wahida Ahmed, addressing the audience
She emphasized that now is the perfect time to look into Bangladesh for investment, as conditions are changing positively and the government is committed to supporting international businesses. The Ambassador stressed that Bangladesh now offers a one-stop service for investors, and assured participants that she personally stands ready to facilitate Swedish companies, warmly welcoming them to visit and explore opportunities in Bangladesh.
Particular emphasis was also placed on Bangladesh’s green transition, with significant policy reforms, renewable energy investments, and climate resilience initiatives underway. Solar, wind, and hydro projects are already reshaping the country’s energy mix, while health innovation — including telemedicine, AI-enabled diagnostics, and digital health systems — was highlighted as another field where Swedish knowledge and technology can play a vital role.
The program continued with a presentation from Ms. Chantal Tabatabae, Senior Account Manager at Qatar Airways. Representing SBBC member Qatar Airways, she introduced the airline’s network and special offers for flights to Bangladesh and the wider South Asian region. Strengthening air connectivity was noted as an important enabler for future business exchange.
Ms. Chantal Tabatabae, Qatar Airways
Following the presentations, participants enjoyed lunch and informal discussions. The Q&A session created an open atmosphere for dialogue between members, the Embassy, and business leaders. The event concluded with networking and mingling, underlining the value of SBBC as a bridge between Sweden and Bangladesh.
Looking ahead, SBBC announced its next activity in September/October 2025: a joint seminar “Business in South Asia” in collaboration with the India–Sweden Business Council and the Sri Lanka Business Council.
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