The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Bangladesh’s first and most important stock exchange, is located in Motijheel, in the heart of Dhaka. In mid-2010, DSE had over 750 companies listed with a combined market capitalisation of $50.28 billion (£32.28 billion).
Part of this achievement is due to the country’s political stability during the past couple of years, and the strong workforce and the capacity to produce cheaply have also contributed. “The purchasing power of the people is increasing, and as a result local business is increasing,” says Shakil Rizvi, president of the DSE.
The financial market continues to develop as the concept of privatising formerly nationalised industries evolves. “The government is supplying new issues to public companies as well as to government companies. As a result new companies are coming into various sectors, and this is beginning to change the market,” explains Mr Rizvi.
A sturdy infrastructure and foreign investment are essential to fully realise the country’s potential. “We need international support. International businessmen should come here to make profit and help develop our country,” adds the DSE’s president.
DSE policies protect foreign investments. Mr Rizvi says, “Our security measures follow those of British rules and regulations. Here the interests of the investors are protected at all times: there is no unsettlement.”
Mr Rizvi is promoting usage of the exchange to enhance socio-economic conditions. “There is a tax benefit from the government for companies listing on the DSE. For an unlisted company it is 37.5 per cent and for a listed company it is 27.5 per cent. This creates an opportunity to be listed. If we declare a dividend, foreign investors can take the dividend.”
Both public and private companies are encouraged to list to enhance the capital market. Mr Rizvi extends an open invitation to all readers, “Come to Bangladesh, invest more money and receive more in returns.”
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