British High Commissioner visits PRAN-RFL factories in Rajshahi and Natore

Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, visited PRAN-RFL Group’s factories in Rajshahi and Natore on Wednesday. During her visit, the High Commissioner visited Rajshahi Products Limited factory in Shyampur, Rajshahi, and PRAN Agro Limited in Natore.

Uzma Chowdhury, Director (Corporate Finance) at PRAN-RFL Group welcomed the British High Commissioner at the factories. She briefed H.E. Sarah Cooke on PRAN-RFL Group’s manufacturing operations, products, domestic market activities and export business in international markets.

At Rajshahi Jute Mill, which has been leased from the government and resumed operations under PRAN-RFL Group, the British High Commissioner visited the production facilities and observed the manufacturing processes of footwear, tents and umbrellas.

Later, she visited PRAN Agro Limited in Natore, where she visited the production facilities for noodles, sauces, spices and other food products and observed the manufacturing processes. She also planted a tree on the factory premises during the visit.

During the visits, H.E. Sarah Cooke highly appreciated PRAN-RFL Group’s modern manufacturing facilities, production systems and diversified range of products. She also discussed the potential for expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.

H.E. Sarah Cooke said, “The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a strong and growing trade and investment relationship. It is encouraging to see companies such as PRAN RFL successfully expanding into international markets, including the UK. Bangladesh has clear strengths in manufacturing and agro processing, with considerable scope to grow exports beyond traditional sectors.

The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) provides generous trade preferences and simpler Rules of Origin to help more Bangladeshi businesses access the UK market, including after LDC graduation. The UK remains committed to closer trade and investment links, helping businesses in both countries identify new opportunities and build long term commercial partnerships for mutual prosperity.”

Uzma Chowdhury, Director (Corporate Finance) of PRAN-RFL Group, said, “Our food products have established a strong presence in the UK market. We are also exporting a

wide range of products, including footwear, containers and bicycles, to the UK. At the same time, UK-based companies have investments in Bangladesh. We believe that by strengthening our bilateral relationship, we can explore new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.”

The British High Commission delegation, comprising Shahrukh Shakir, Trade Policy Manager, Syed Habibur Rahman, Trade and Investment Manager, and other British High Commission Dhaka officials, accompanied the High Commissioner during the factory visits.