LightCastle Assists TFO Canada in Conducting 2-day Export Readiness Training Program for Agro Processing SMEs

As the local coordinator for the “Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (WITISG)” project, LightCastle Partners recently assisted Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada and the SME Foundation (SMEF) in completing the Export Readiness Training for Agro-Processing Sector SMEs. The training took place on October 16-17 & October 23-24, 2022 at Hotel Platinum Grand, Banani, Dhaka.

WITISG is a 5-year project funded by Global Affairs Canada & ITFC (Islamic Trade Finance Corporation). The project aims to contribute to inclusive growth in the economy by increasing the percentage of women in international trade as exporters and by increasing the share of exports generated by women-led Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The following sessions were conducted on Day 1:

1. Trade and Gender – conducted by Nilufer Karim, Gender Consultant
2. Environment and Climate Change & Socially Responsible Business Practices – conducted by Parveen S. Huda, Consultant
3. Export Readiness – delivered by Fahim-Bin-Asmat, DGM at SMEF.

The training on Day 2 consisted of sessions on:

1. Building an Export Plan – conducted by Md Masudur Rahman, AGM at SMEF.
2. Identifying Your Target Market/Customer – conducted by Md Masudur Rahman, AGM at SMEF.
3. How to Build an Online Presence – conducted by Jannatul Ferdous, CEO of Kaaru.
4. Export Documentation, Financing, and Customs – conducted by Md. Kamruzzaman Akanda, Manager, The City Bank Limited.

The training aims to build the capacity of the SMEs from the Agro Processing sector to become ready for the upcoming buyer mission from Canada; where a delegation of Canadian buyers will meet the prospective SMEs to start importing Agro & Agro Processed products from Bangladesh.

About TFO Canada

TFO Canada improves lives by establishing long-term trade partnerships between developing-country exporters and Canadian and foreign buyers.

About SME Foundation

The SME Foundation was established by the Government of Bangladesh through the Ministry of Industries as the country’s apex institution for SME development. SME Foundation’s main activities include implementing the Bangladesh Government’s SME policy strategies, policy advocacy and intervention for the growth of SMEs, facilitating financial support for SMEs, providing skill development and capacity building training, facilitating adaptation with appropriate technologies and access to ICT, providing business support services, and so on.

About Global Affairs Canada

In a complex global environment, Global Affairs Canada defines, shapes, and advances Canada’s interests and values. They are in charge of diplomatic relations, international trade promotion, and consular assistance. They also coordinate international development, humanitarian, peace, and security efforts. Furthermore, Global Affairs Canada aids in national security and the advancement of international law.

About ITFC

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. The primary objective of ITFC is advancing trade among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries.

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