feature Chevron Bangladesh participates in u.s. trade show for seventeenth time

Like every year, Chevron participated in the U.S. Trade Show – this time for the seventeenth time. Marking its 27th edition this year, the U.S. Trade Show is jointly organized and sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh and the United States Embassy Dhaka. It is one of AMCHAM Bangladesh’s key annual events, organized with a view to stimulating greater understanding about business potential and opportunities in Bangladesh and the United States. 

Held over three days at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka, February 27th – 29th, this year, Chevron Bangladesh was one of 48 American companies that showcased their products and services in 78 stalls. The brands represented a whole gamut of industries, including energy, agro-mechanization and food & beverage, e.g., Coca-Cola, P&G, Burger King, MetLife, Chevron, to name just a few. 

The United States is the single largest export destination for Bangladesh. According to the United States Census Bureau, Bangladesh exported goods worth $6.7 million to the US in 2019 – representing a rise of nearly 10 per cent from 2018 figures. Bangladesh exports primarily ready-made garments to the U.S., whereas its top imports include civilian aircraft and parts, cotton and soybeans. At a press briefing prior to the event, JoAnne Wagner, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy said, “The show is an important symbol of the strong and continuous US commitment to this market, and to Bangladesh.” Specifically mentioning Chevron, Ms. Wagner said, “Chevron has grown alongside Bangladesh for the past quarter century.  It is the largest single producer of natural gas in Bangladesh -- powering about 40 per cent of the country. Besides, 95 per cent of Chevron's employees are Bangladeshi -- not workers brought in from elsewhere, but local workers who, by working for American companies, can provide for their families.”

Chevron Bangladesh was proud to sponsor the event banner at the inauguration ceremony, at which Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Industries Minister; JoAnne Wagner; Md Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Syed Ershad Ahmed and Syed Mohammad Kamal, President and Vice-President of AmCham respectively were speakers. Neil Menzies, Chevron Bangladesh President and Ismail Chowdhury, and Corporate Affairs Director were also in attendance at the opening ceremony, along with key stakeholders from private and public sectors. Chevron Bangladesh was recognized for “Excellence in Stall Design” at the close of the event.