The ILO’s ProGRESS project, funded by the Government of Canada, and the Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI) organized a workshop titled “Women Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities in the Chattogram Region.”

Around 200 entrepreneurs from Chattogram, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari participated, including a buyer-seller meetup.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Tofael Ahmed attended as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included Arif Hasan Khan from Bangladesh Bank, Sayed Nazrul Islam of Well Designers Ltd., Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of ILO, and M.A. Malek, Editor of Dainik Azadi. Monowara Hakim Ali, President of CWCCI, chaired the event.

The workshop focused on the challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Chattogram, providing insights for national policy development. Dr. Amir Mohammad Nasrullah from the University of Chittagong presented a key paper emphasizing the significant impact of women entrepreneurs on economic growth, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness. He identified key areas for women entrepreneurs, including port and trade-related businesses, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, IT, health and wellness, and handicrafts.

Commissioner Tofael Ahmed highlighted the region’s potential, particularly in agri-products and resources from the Bay of Bengal. He stressed the need for skills to process export-quality products and global connectivity for entrepreneurs.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen emphasized Chattogram’s role as an economic hub and the need for modern technologies and a competitive workforce, particularly as Bangladesh approaches the end of LDC status in 2026.

Monowara Hakim Ali concluded by emphasizing CWCCI’s focus on financial inclusion, education, digital literacy, market linkages, policy support, business protection, and women’s cooperatives to boost women-led businesses.