South Asian Economic Collaboration Advancing Toward a New Era of Regional Integration

PRESS RELEASES

Dhaka, Bangladesh | 19/04/2026

A landmark initiative aimed at strengthening regional economic integration in South Asia is progressing steadily, as the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO), one of India’s leading non-governmental trade associations, and the South Asian Economy Zone (SAEZ), a strategic initiative under the Federation of Eurasia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FECCI), move forward with a comprehensive bilateral partnership and collaboration framework.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, enhancing cross-border trade, and building a resilient and interconnected South Asian economic ecosystem. The collaboration is designed to unlock new opportunities for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs while reinforcing regional cooperation among South Asian nations.

Bangladesh has been identified as a key priority within this strategic framework. Recognized for its rapid economic growth, expanding industrial base, and growing importance in global supply chains, Bangladesh is positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of regional trade and investment. The initiative aims to ensure enhanced trade privileges, increased foreign direct investment inflows, and stronger integration of Bangladesh into regional and global economic networks.

Strategic Objectives of the Collaboration

The partnership between IETO and SAEZ is built upon a series of forward-looking objectives, including:

• Strengthening bilateral and multilateral trade relations across South Asia
• Facilitating cross-border investment and joint venture opportunities
• Promoting startup ecosystems and innovation-driven enterprises
• Enhancing policy dialogue on trade facilitation, including Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTA)
• Supporting SMEs and women-led businesses in accessing regional markets
• Developing institutional platforms for sustainable economic cooperation

Key Leadership and Participants

The initiative is being led by a distinguished group of leaders and stakeholders from both organizations.

From the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO):Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO.

Ankit Jain, Honorary Trade Commissioner of India-EU Trade Council

From the South Asian Economy Zone (SAEZ): Mahamud Hasan, Executive Director of OIC Economy Corridor and Operational Director of SAEZ

The collaboration is further supported by representatives from the Bangladesh Women Trade & Business Council (BWTBC), including President Jannatul Ferdous and Secretary Tahera Aktar. Additional team members contributing to this initiative include Ismail Mondal, Sadik Marzan, and other key stakeholders dedicated to advancing regional economic cooperation.

Upcoming Flagship Initiatives

A major milestone under this collaboration is the establishment of the Bangladesh–India Joint Business Center. This upcoming platform will serve as a central hub for facilitating cross-border trade, investment matchmaking, policy support, and business networking between Bangladesh and India. The center is expected to play a vital role in reducing trade barriers, improving market access, and strengthening institutional cooperation between the two countries.

In parallel, discussions are underway to establish strategic access and collaboration with the Startup Association of South Asia. This initiative will focus on empowering startups, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for youth-driven enterprises across the region. It will also enable knowledge exchange, access to funding, and regional market expansion for emerging businesses.

A Vision for Regional Growth

This collaboration represents a transformative step toward building a unified and dynamic South Asian economic landscape. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sector stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a sustainable framework for long-term economic cooperation.

Through enhanced connectivity, innovation, and shared economic vision, IETO and SAEZ are committed to driving a new era of regional prosperity. The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to economic stability, job creation, and inclusive growth across South Asia.

As the initiative progresses, further announcements regarding implementation timelines, policy frameworks, and additional partnerships are expected in the coming months.

About Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO)The Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) is a leading non-governmental trade body in India dedicated to promoting international trade, investment, and economic cooperation through strategic partnerships and policy advocacy.

About South Asian Economy Zone (SAEZ)The South Asian Economy Zone (SAEZ), an initiative of the Federation of Eurasia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FECCI), is focused on creating a collaborative economic platform for South Asian countries to enhance trade, investment, and regional integration.

About FECCIThe Federation of Eurasia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FECCI) is an international organization working to strengthen economic ties, promote business collaboration, and support sustainable development across Eurasia and beyond.