President Message

President message

BismillahirRahmanir Rahim

I would like to express my sincere thanks and immense gratitude to the 
hon'ble members of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
for their gracious support to me and our board of directors. I am grateful 
to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the architect of this 
prosperous new modern Bangladesh, who took it upon herself to 
shoulder the responsibility for the development of Chattogram and for 
ushering in a new era of prosperity and possibilities. The result is 
palpable to each and every businessperson as the world of opportunity 
is at our very doorsteps. 

Bangabandhu Sheikh MujibShilpa Nagar (BSMSN), Matarbari deep sea port, 
Bangabandhu Tunnel under Karnaphuli, Patenga Container Terminal, Bay
 Terminal, Coal Terminal, LNG Terminal, Maheshkhali Powerhub, Elevated 
Expressway, Marine Drive from Mirarsharai to Cox's Bazar, and 
Chittagong-Cox's Bazar railway line are changing the image of Chattogram 
with mega projects worth billions of dollars.Chattogramis being prepared as 
an ideal investment destination in South Asia. 

 I would like also to express my utmost gratitude  to the former successful 
President of CCCI, and Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Mr. M. Abdul Latif , 
whose guidance and support has played an instrumental role in ensuring 
the Chittagong Chamber's continuous facilitation to bridge the business 
community, regulators and policy makers. 

 I would like to thank our immediate past President Mr. Mahabubul Alam 
for his long and unwavering service to the CCCI and the business 
community at large. I would also like to congratulate Mr. Mahabubul Alam 
on being elected as the President of FBCCI, it is a matter of great pride 
and joy for every businessperson of Chattogram to have one of our 
own is such a position. 

 I would like to convey my deepest respect and reverence to the long 
line of illustrious Presidents that have preceded me in this century-old  
organization. All of whom have contributed much for our city, region 
and country. All my predecessors stand as beacons for my days ahead 
in my journey as they will for those who come after me. Their work and 
legacy will be our guiding light.  

The port city of Chattogram, famous as the golden gate of prosperity, 
is the country's commercial capital. And Chittagong Chamber, 
established in 1906, is the oldest trade body of this region. Since its 
inception, it has consistently played pivotal role to protect & promote 
trade & investment in this region.  

Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has set a vision to transform 
Bangladesh into a knowledge driven developed & smart economy. 
To achieve this vision, as the representatives of Chattogram’s 
business community – a key stakeholder of government, remaining 
true to our legacy & purpose of protecting & promoting businesses, 
we are committed to accelerate/accentuate our research driven efforts 
to play facilitator role in creating an enabling environment for 
businesses to foster & economy to prosper.

Chittagong Port is the lifeblood of Bangladesh's economy. More than 
90% of the country's international trade passes through this port.And 
in next 5 to 7 years, after completion of some of the mega 
infrastructural projects, the handling capacity of the port will increase 
by many folds. The port is already on its way to be a transshipment 
hub of this region. 

As the representative of the business community, Chittagong Chamber 
will continue to facilitate the business community of Bangladesh for 
best utilization of these facilities and continue to engage closely with 
National Board of Revenue, Chittagong Customs House& Bangladesh 
Bank to ensure ease of doing business for the business community, 
following the footsteps of our predecessors.   

With approx. 300-350 KM of coast line and direct exposure of around 
25 Upazilla with Bay of Bengal, Chattogram has a largely untapped 
blue economy potential that can make massive contribution towards 
the journey of Bangladesh becoming a developed country.We are 
committed to play significant role in realizing this potential through 
supporting the government to create an enabling environment for 
private investment growth in blue economy.

Bangladesh is set to graduate out of LDC in 2026. This comes with 
both opportunities and challenges. We will have to revise our policies 
significantly to compete with the global market and our industries will 
have to accelerate our adaptions of the sustainable practices. As a 
leading chamber of this region, we will look to facilitate businesses, 
regulators & policy makers with research driven advocacy support. 

Cottage, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) are the heart 
of the economy. CMSMEs need to be supported with access to market, 
knowledge, skills supply chain and finance. We are committed to 
continue our efforts to inspire growth of CMSMEs in our region. 

Chattogram is set to see a massive growth of investment from both 
national and international level across sectors exponentially growing 
the size of the business community in this region. Chittagong Chamber 
looks forward to facilitate all these businesses.  

 Our new board is brimming with successful business persons of nearly 
every field of enterprise. With having representation from over 20 
sectors of the country. We are eager to work closely businesses of all 
sizes and background of our region. I believe with collective effort from 
all, we shall be able to play an instrumental role in shaping the future 
of Bangladesh's  economy continuing the traditions and glory of the 
hundred years of The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry

And staying true to the purpose and legacy, Chittagong Chamber will 
stand beside the business community as always.I hope with cooperation 
& support from all of our business community,we can move forward towards 
our vision of creating an enabling environment for growth of trade & 
investment and help us contribute towards achieving our national vision. 

Omar Hazzaz

(President, CCCI)