Finnish companies are looking to broaden their business engagement with Bashundhara Group, focusing on key sectors including engineering, technology, energy, and sustainable development, Finland's ambassador to Bangladesh said on Wednesday (April 9).

“Bashundhara Group already collaborates with several Finnish firms, and we are keen to expand these partnerships,” Ambassador Kimmo Lähdevirta told reporters during a visit to the Bashundhara Industrial Headquarters in Dhaka.

The envoy led a high-level delegation that included representatives from Business Finland and leading Finnish companies. Bashundhara Group’s Sector-C Chief Operating Officer Shahed Zahid welcomed the delegation.

The visiting team comprised Coolbrook Project Director Srinivasan Sriramulu, Elematic’s Sandeep Kumar, Konecranes Country Director Ratan Biswas, Mirasys Managing Director Arindam Das Sarkar, Routa Digital CEO Kumar Abhijit, Saiful Islam of Wärtsilä, Wirepas Regional Head Maruthi Mallepalli, Antti Herlevi and liris Määttä from Finland Embassy, Business Finland Regional Director Gitta Perez, Päivi Mähönen and Dharmesh Sharan..

Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Lähdevirta said the discussions focused on ICT, sustainable construction, engineering, and green energy solutions. 

“Finland has a strong track record in ICT and sustainable development,” he noted, adding that it's "too early to comment" on any specific investment plans.

Bashundhara Group's COO Shahed Zahid described the meeting as highly productive, highlighting potential cooperation in sectors such as paper, cement, and precast construction. 

He said the Finnish side showed interest in supporting technology transfers, particularly in replacing fossil fuel-based cement production with electric processes.

Zahid also noted Bangladesh’s current challenges in accessing affordable financing, suggesting that Finland could assist through a bilateral investment framework. “One of the key topics was cost-effective funding. We are optimistic,” he said.

Bashundhara Group senior DMD Mustafizur Rahman, deputy managing director KM Zahid Uddin, Sector-C chief financial officer Mohammad Kamrul Hassan, chief human resource officer Imran Bin Ferdous, chief information officer Sifat Jahan Nur, Bashundhara Multi Steel Industries head of plant Mazedul Islam, Bashundhara Chemical Industries head of plant Jakaria Jalal, BRMCIL head of operations Gajiul Hassan and Bashundhara Airways chief operating officer ASM Mustafizul Haque were also present on the occasion.

BDST: 1422 HRS, APR 09, 2025
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