Standard Chartered executes first INR-BDT import transaction for multinational FMCG sector for Unilever

Standard Chartered Bangladesh recently arranged the first Indian Rupee (INR) denominated trade transaction for the multinational fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, for Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL).

This landmark achievement is the first cross-border import transaction to have been settled in each nation's respective local currencies, by Standard Chartered Bangladesh, reads a press release.

The bank remains committed to opening new avenues for currency diversification; pioneering efficient solutions; and fostering growth opportunities for clients.

This milestone import transaction empowers Unilever Bangladesh Limited to offer Indian Rupee payment options to the organisation's India-based suppliers. This will enable UBL to enjoy greater operational flexibility, while simultaneously aiding in brand enhancement and growth efforts.

Access to direct invoicing facilities in INR also results in reduced costs and savings. Standard Chartered's global network and regional strength makes it possible for the bank to offer seamless BDT-INR transactions and trade capabilities – accelerating bilateral trade between the two countries.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "The Indian Rupee holds great promise for exporters and importers, and we are pleased to be able to work towards building depth in the INR market with two-way trades. The market size of consumer goods in Bangladesh is approximately $3.6 billion with an annual growth rate of 9%. So, the successful execution of this INR-BDT import transaction sets a precedent for other companies – driving collective progress and advancement across one of our nation's most promising sectors.

We are excited to learn from this opportunity and are proud to contribute to shaping the future of international trade. We are equally pleased to complete our maiden INR import transaction with Unilever Bangladesh, a trusted partner in our endeavours to further economic progress, sustainability, and social empowerment," he added.

Zaved Akhtar, chairman and managing director, Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), said, "Unilever Bangladesh has a long tradition of being a responsible and pioneering business, and our strategic choice is to deliver superior business performance through our purpose-led, future-fit business model. In the recent past, the country has faced economic volatility due to external factors like global conflicts and supply chain disruptions, which resulted in shortfall of USD impacting our reserves.

Last year, the Bangladesh Government started bilateral discussions with India and opened the option of Letters of Credit in Rupee as an alternative. I am happy that Unilever Bangladesh Limited and Standard Chartered Bangladesh have been one of the pioneers to support this activity by initiating INR transactions. This will not only reduce the reliance on the dollar but also alleviate the pressure on Bangladesh's forex reserves. Through innovative macroeconomic strategies and partnerships like ours, the private sector will be able to support Bangladesh's long-term economic growth," he added.

With over 119 years of uninterrupted presence, Standard Chartered is the only multinational universal bank in Bangladesh. As the nation's longstanding partner in progress, the Bank is facilitating major investments in power, energy, transportation, and urban development.

Standard Chartered accounts for a major share of all export and import financing, as well as power generation financing and SME lending by foreign banks. Standard Chartered utilises innovation and state-of-the-art technology to design bespoke solutions for stakeholders – both in Bangladesh and beyond.

UBL is the nation's largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company with a heritage spanning 60 years, with more than 9 out of 10 households using one or more of its brands for their daily needs.

With over 26 brands, Unilever Bangladesh Limited is part of the everyday life of millions of consumers across Bangladesh. UBL is a subsidiary of Unilever, one of the world's leading suppliers of consumer-packaged goods in more than 190 countries.

UBL's vision is to be the global leader in sustainable business and to demonstrate how a purpose-led, future-fit business model drives superior performance. The Unilever Compass, Unilever's global sustainable business strategy, is set out to help us deliver superior performance and drive sustainable and responsible growth while aiming to: improve the health of the planet; improve people's health, confidence, and wellbeing; and contribute to a fairer and more socially inclusive world.