Engineering Resources International (ERI) Limited successfully hosted the high-impact Sustainable Finance Seminar 2024 on November 13, 2024, at the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Training Academy Hall. The seminar brought together a diverse audience, including leaders from banks, non-bank financial institutions, and the textile sector, along with a renowned fashion brand, to explore affordable financing solutions for decarbonization and sustainable growth.
Mahmudul Hasan, CFO of ERI, opened the seminar with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to the passionate and forward-thinking participants dedicated to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future.
The opening remarks were delivered by Shaikh Akber Hakim, Group MD & CEO of SCS, IRI, and ERI. He eloquently articulated the three pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — People, Planet, and Profit — using relatable examples that captivated the audience. He highlighted the Earth’s regenerative capabilities and underscored the business community’s pressing responsibility to address global challenges.
Shaymal Barman, Director of Climate Finance at Winrock International, joined virtually from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. In his keynote presentation, he provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving climate finance landscape, sharing valuable insights on mobilizing financial resources for climate action and sustainable development.
Afrina Samian, Chief Sustainability Officer of ERI, joined the seminar virtually from Melbourne, Australia, expressing gratitude to the participants and appreciation for the CFO and his team’s efforts in organizing the seminar.
Md. Monowar Hossain, former CFO of Agrani Bank PLC and former Head of ICC at Rupali Bank PLC, presented a session on the critical role of sustainable finance. He detailed a wide range of green financing options available to businesses.
Representatives from IDLC Finance PLC, including Nasir Uddin Babu, AGM and Unit Head of the Corporate Division, and Nowshin Nawal, Assistant Manager and Green Product Lead of IDLC’s Sustainable Finance Unit, shared insights into IDLC’s innovative financing schemes and Bangladesh Bank’s green initiatives. Their presentation concluded with an engaging Q&A session with the audience.
Additionally, Mohammad Firoz Alam, Head of Sustainability at The City Bank PLC, and Mohammed Zahidul Haque discussed City Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability. They highlighted the bank’s innovative approaches to decarbonization efforts, particularly in the textile sector.
Hasan Monir, Senior Consultant and SREDA-certified Energy Auditor at ERI, provided practical guidance on securing sustainable finance from commercial banks, focusing on key regulatory aspects. His case studies on successful pre-financing and refinancing projects emphasized the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of energy-efficient technologies and green buildings. He also stressed the critical role of certified energy auditors, noting that ERI’s team includes two SREDA-certified Energy Auditors and two Energy Managers supported by national and international specialists.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Asim Mondal, Senior Consultant for ESG, who highlighted social and governance criteria under sustainable finance frameworks. He addressed the implications of regulations like the CSRD and CSDDD and discussed human rights considerations in financing decisions.
Dr. Zahid Hassan, Director of ERI, delivered the closing remarks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all speakers and participants. The event concluded with the distribution of crests to honored guests and a group photo, capturing the spirit of collaboration and commitment to sustainable growth.
