DHAKA : EATL Innovation Hub Ltd. today hosted a dinner and strategic discussion in the city in honour of a visiting delegation of British and Chinese business leaders and investors, aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, infrastructure development and investment.

The event, held at a hotel in the capital, was organized by Managing Director of EATL Innovation Hub Ltd. M. A. Mubin Khan and brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, international investors and senior government officials, said a press release.

The discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration among Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and China in renewable energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism and technology sectors.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita attended the programme as chief guest. 

Among others present were Abdul Moyeen Khan, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Barrister A.M. Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Secretary Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury and Director General of Medical Education Nazmul Hossain.

The international delegation was led by Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Chairman of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership Board. 

Other delegates included Andrew McCauley of EmirGreen Capital, Chris Baldwin of Architecton Construction, Hou Chunlin of Vizient Holding Limited and Qiu Ran of Sheng Kai International Limited.

Delegation members expressed interest in pursuing joint initiatives in Bangladesh involving green energy, international financing, technology transfer, workforce development and innovation-driven economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Afroza Khanam Rita said the government is implementing various initiatives to attract foreign investment, expand trade, develop infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation to position Bangladesh as a regional business and innovation hub.

Abdul Moyeen Khan highlighted the longstanding relationship among Bangladesh, the United Kingdom and China and underscored the importance of the Bangladeshi diaspora and public-private partnerships in advancing economic development.

Mubin Khan said Bangladesh is moving steadily toward a technology-driven economy and that collaboration with international partners would help create new opportunities for investment and technological advancement.

He said greater cooperation in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, education and healthcare would contribute significantly to the country's sustainable economic growth.

According to EATL Innovation Hub, the organization operates technology infrastructure at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park and is investing in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the Internet of Things, augmented reality and virtual reality.

The organization is also working with national and international universities on research, innovation and AI-driven projects aimed at developing a skilled workforce for future industries.

Participants described the event as an important step toward expanding international investment, technological innovation and strategic partnerships, while strengthening Bangladesh's growing innovation ecosystem.