Business advocacy has become a very important and necessary part of most of the nations’ law making process. The business community in Bangladesh has the potential and the responsibility to become an important voice in the national dialogue on economic policy and on efforts to increase the efficiency and productivity of the business community. IBFB has been formed to help fill this role.

International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) was formed under the Companies Act 1994, registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms, Bangladesh. IBFB is a non profit organization looking for a truly representative private sector business forum. International Republican Institute (IRI) was the consulting partner of IBFB providing logistic support to IBFB, and has been providing logistic and technical support to IBFB at the initial stages.

International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) represents nonpartisan, Bangladeshi and foreign business owners whose goal is to identify common business challenges nationwide and present solutions which will impact public policy thus benefiting businesses who would not normally have influence within policymaking circles.

Objectives of IBFB

* To improve the business climate by addressing pressing issues such as high interest rates, tax evasion, transport inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape as an advocacy/pressure group
* To articulate better business practices/policies to the general public and relevant government agencies
* To act as a central depository & clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information relating to current or proposed business practice, policy as well as business house in category
* To promote and safeguard the economic and trade interest of its members through exchange of information
* To assist in and support voluntary and self help initiatives by endeavors and programs to improve the business climate
* To increase the public’s awareness of less effective economic policies by working with the media.
* To conduct business study/research/Training/promoting business advocacy issue in response to current business issues/needs
* To act as link point for promoting business opportunities with other prospective countries.


Why join IBFB?

* You would benefit from more transparent business practices
* Your business would thrive in a fair and improved business environment   
* You are committed to improving Bangladesh’s economy and will do your part to level the playing field
* You will do your part to harness ‘power’ of the business group and make contributions to reform policies
* You are interested in being a member of a democratic organization in which elections take place every three years by secret ballot and there are transparent procedures in place
* You are interested in networking with other foreign businesses in Bangladesh who are also eager to see sound economic policies
* You will receive training from international business association experts who have been successful in impacting policy in their own countries
* You will help formulate a business agenda, lobby the government for change and devise solid policies at IBFB meetings and seminars
* You are interested in committee work where team members will be working together at identifying problems, opportunities and proposing solutions