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The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) plans to float tenders in a couple of weeks to buy two bulk carriers from China with its own funds.

“I am ready with tender documents. Waiting for the ministry’s approval to float,” BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told The Financial Express.

He returned from China last week after visiting a shipyard named New Dayang Shipbuilding Co Ltd along with Shipping Secretary Mohammed Yousuf.

Mr Malek earlier visited another shipyard named Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding Co Ltd in December last year.

The BSC’s technical team earlier also visited two more shipyards to see various under-construction ships.

“We visited the shipyards having the potential to supply ships, and they are top builders worldwide,” said Mr Malek.

The majority of the bulk carrier ships are being constructed in China, he said.

He also said a plan is there to seek proposals from the shipbuilders who have near-ready ships so that they can supply vessels without a long delay. According to him, the BSC plans to buy solid bulk carriers to carry products like coal and fertiliser.

The ships will be of around 56,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), having around 199 metres of length, around 33 metres of width, and nearly 18 metres of water draft.

After acquiring the vessels, the BSC will charter them out to foreign operators.

“Shipping is the most profitable business now. I need ships. We will charter them out,” Mr Malek told The Financial Express earlier.

The corporation is also working on buying two crude oil mother tankers and two mother bulk carriers with funding from the Export-Import Bank of China.

The China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) will supply each oil tanker at a price of $73 million and each bulk carrier at $44 million as per the deal signed on October 14, 2023.

The BSC bought six vessels from China a few years back. Of those, one was destroyed in a missile attack in the Red Sea in 2022.

Now the corporation has five ships, which have been chartered.

https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/public/last-page/bsc-to-float-tenders-soon-to-buy-two-bulk-carriers-1746383194

The country’s leading biscuit and confectionery producer Olympic Industries has decided to invest in “multi colour  cookie production” to stay ahead of competitors after its recent investment in production of crackers, chocolate, chanachur, and cake.

In a stock exchange filing on Thursday, the company said its board of directors had planned to purchase new machinery to produce multi-coloured cookies.

Olympic Industries now produces 49 types of biscuits and 7 types of cookies along with various snacks, powder drinks, batteries, and bakery items, such as cake, and confectionery.

It is going to install a brand-new production line with standard accessories having production capacity of 9,048 metric tons of the new type of cookies a year. The cost of machinery import from China and installation is estimated to be $1.08 million or Tk 132 million.

The new production setup will be at Madanpur factory, Keodhala in Narayanganj.

Meanwhile, the stock rose 2.18 per cent to Tk 144.50 per share on Thursday on the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

The company started investing in new segments after enduring a 40 per cent year-on-year decline in profit to Tk 1.2 billion in FY22. Its earnings rose to Tk 1.56 billion in the next fiscal year and then to Tk 1.83 billion in FY24.

Olympic Industries has an annual capacity of approximately 129,656 metric tonnes of biscuits and bakery items.

In February 2022, Olympic commissioned a new cracker and hard dough biscuit line with a capacity of 12,442 metric tonnes per year. Three years later it invested Tk 13.66 crore to establish a multi-functional chocolate plant.

The plant has a production capacity of 3,300 tonnes per year and is located at Lolati factory in Sonargaon, Narayanganj.

In the meantime in August 2024, Olympic invested Tk 22.71 crore to set up a new chanachur factory. The plant at Kutubpur in Narayanganj is capable of producing 6,600 tonnes per year.

Highlights:

• Renata’s Tk1,000 crore expansion stalled due to global disruptions
• Taka devaluation inflated project cost by Tk400 crore
• Profit margins dropped from 18% to 5%
• Loan burden grew from Tk480 crore to Tk1,900 crore
• Government price controls limit cost-pass-through on essential medicines
• Renata discontinued 194 products amid unsustainable losses

Just before the world began grappling with Covid-19 pandemic, Renata, one of Bangladesh’s leading pharmaceutical companies, was gearing up for a major leap. The company had chalked out a Tk1,000 crore investment plan to scale up operations in response to growing domestic and international demand.

But then came the pandemic.

The virus brought global supply chains to a grinding halt, forcing the drug maker to put its expansion ambitions on hold. The disruptions didn’t end there.

As the world economy was trying to find its footing after the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war sent commodity prices soaring, triggering a chain reaction that proved especially costly for import-dependent countries like Bangladesh. The taka, which traded at around Tk85 against the US dollar in early 2022, plummeted to Tk110 within six months—and further slid to Tk120 in just another six. The massive depreciation inflated Renata’s expansion costs by Tk400 crore, pushing the project’s total outlay to Tk1,400 crore.

And with that, the economics of expansion changed drastically.

Borrowing costs surged, and so did the prices of imported raw materials. As a result, Renata’s profit margins shrank dramatically—from 18% a few years ago to a mere 5% now. The sharp decline in profitability is largely attributed to escalating loan repayment burdens. Company data shows that Renata’s total loans stood at Tk480 crore in June 2021, but ballooned to Tk1,900 crore by March this year.

Yet, despite the cost pressures, pharmaceutical companies are restricted from adjusting the prices of most of their products. “As per government regulations, we cannot raise prices for 117 essential medicines. Even for the rest, approvals are difficult to obtain,” said Kaiser Kabir, CEO and managing director of Renata, in an interview with The Business Standard.

The inability to pass on rising costs to consumers has forced Renata to make tough decisions. The company has already discontinued 194 out of its 626 products, citing sustained losses. “If prices are not allowed to adjust, only two or three companies will be able to survive in this industry,” Kabir warned.

Renata, which evolved from the erstwhile Pfizer operations in Bangladesh, has heavily invested in research and development to remain competitive. The company currently manufactures 75 bio-equivalent products—therapeutically identical to innovator drugs—which require significant R&D investment. Last year, Renata spent Tk100 crore on research. This year, that figure is expected to rise to Tk165 crore, marking a 65% increase.

Industry leaders share similar concerns. Muhammad Halimuzzaman, treasurer of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and CEO of Health Care Pharmaceuticals, reiterated the urgency of a price revision. “Prices of everything have gone up—utilities, raw materials, logistics. Medicines are not produced on a different planet,” he said. “If the government does not act now, the industry risks collapse.”

Renata’s expansion plan

In 2019, Renata planned to invest Tk1,000 crore in capital and machinery, backed by Tk500 crore in fixed deposits and an annual profit of Tk500 crore. However, the pandemic delayed machinery shipments from Europe and the US, postponing the expansion project. The rising dollar rate further increased costs.

Despite these challenges, Renata continued with the investment, leading it to take high-interest loans from banks, which impacted its financial costs and profits. To ease the burden, the company attempted to raise capital by issuing long-term bonds and preference shares. These efforts failed as institutional investors were deterred by the more attractive interest rates on government treasury bonds.

In October 2023, anticipating further interest rate hikes, Renata planned to raise Tk850 crore through zero-coupon bonds and preference shares to repay short-term loans. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) approved the issuance of Tk660 crore in zero-coupon bonds and Tk350 crore in preference shares. However, the fundraising attempt was unsuccessful due to poor subscription amid high treasury bond yields.

In March, the BSEC extended the subscription period. With this extension, Renata managed to raise Tk225 crore from preference shares and Tk150 crore from zero-coupon bonds, according to officials.

How Renata’s profits decline

According to the company’s financial statements, it earned over Tk500 crore in profit during the 2020–21 and 2021–22 fiscal years. However, its profit dropped to Tk233 crore in 2022–23.

In 2023–24, profit rose slightly to Tk361 crore, but in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, Renata’s profit fell by 35%, reaching Tk168 crore. At the same time, finance costs increased by 56%.

https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/industry/how-renatas-tk1000cr-investment-plan-became-tk1400cr-problem-1147861?amp

সরকার শেয়ার বাজারে নতুন প্রাণ ফেরানোর জন্য বড় উদ্যোগ গ্রহণ করেছে। এর মাধ্যমে সরকারি মালিকানাধীন লাভজনক ও কৌশলগত কোম্পানির শেয়ার সরাসরি তালিকাভুক্তির মাধ্যমে বাজারে ছাড়ার সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া হয়েছে। প্রাথমিকভাবে এসব কোম্পানির ৫ শতাংশ শেয়ার বাজারে দেওয়ার পরিকল্পনা রয়েছে, এবং এই প্রক্রিয়া বাস্তবায়নের দায়িত্ব দেওয়া হয়েছে ইনভেস্টমেন্ট করপোরেশন অব বাংলাদেশ (আইসিবি)-কে।

বৃহস্পতিবার (২২ মে) অর্থ মন্ত্রণালয়ের সভাকক্ষে এক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বৈঠকে এই সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া হয়। এই বৈঠকে সভাপতিত্ব করেন ড. আনিসুজ্জামান চৌধুরী, এবং এতে উপস্থিত ছিলেন অর্থসচিব মো. খায়েরুজ্জামান মজুমদার, বিএসইসি চেয়ারম্যান খন্দকার রাশেদ মাকসুদ, আর্থিক প্রতিষ্ঠান বিভাগের সচিব নাজমা মোবারেক ও আইসিবির ব্যবস্থাপনা পরিচালক নিরঞ্জন চন্দ্র দেবনাথ।

এই উদ্যোগের মাধ্যমে সরকার শেয়ার বাজারে নতুন করে আস্থা ও উদ্দীপনা সৃষ্টি করতে চাচ্ছে, যা দেশের অর্থনৈতিক প্রবৃদ্ধি ও বিনিয়োগের পরিবেশকে আরও শক্তিশালী করবে বলে আশা করা হচ্ছে।

তালিকাভুক্তির প্রস্তাবে যেসব প্রতিষ্ঠান রয়েছে

১. নর্থওয়েস্ট পাওয়ার জেনারেশন কোম্পানি

২. বাখরাবাদ গ্যাস ট্রান্সমিশন ও ডিস্ট্রিবিউশন কোম্পানি

৩. গ্যাস ট্রান্সমিশন কোম্পানি

৪. জালালাবাদ গ্যাস সিস্টেম

৫. সিলেট গ্যাসফিল্ড

৬. বাংলাদেশ গ্যাসফিল্ড

৭. রূপান্তরিত প্রাকৃতিক গ্যাস কোম্পানি লিমিটেড

৮. পশ্চিমাঞ্চল গ্যাস কোম্পানি

৯. লিকুফায়েড পেট্রোলিয়াম গ্যাস

১০. বাংলাদেশ টেলিকমিউনিকেশন কোম্পানি (BTCL)

১১. টেলিটক বাংলাদেশ লিমিটেড

১২. টেলিফোন শিল্প সংস্থা (TSS)

১৩. বিমান বাংলাদেশ এয়ারলাইনস

১৪. সোনারগাঁও হোটেল

১৫. ছাতক সিমেন্ট ফ্যাক্টরি

১৬. কর্ণফুলী পেপার মিলস

১৭. চিটাগং ডকইয়ার্ড

১৮. বাংলাদেশ ইনস্যুলেটর অ্যান্ড স্যানিটারিওয়্যার ফ্যাক্টরি

১৯. প্রগতি ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজ

২০. আশুগঞ্জ পাওয়ার স্টেশন কোম্পানি

২১. ইলেকট্রিসিটি জেনারেশন কোম্পানি অব বাংলাদেশ

এর আগে ১১ মে অনুষ্ঠিত বৈঠকে প্রধান উপদেষ্টা অধ্যাপক ড. মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস শেয়ারবাজারের পুনর্জাগরণের লক্ষ্যে পাঁচটি মূল নির্দেশনা দেন, যার বাস্তবায়নের অগ্রগতি পর্যালোচনা করতেই ২৩ মে’র বৈঠকটি অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। নির্দেশনাগুলো হলো:

১. সরকারি মালিকানাধীন বহুজাতিক কোম্পানিকে বাজারে আনা।

২. তালিকাভুক্ত ও অ-তালিকাভুক্ত কোম্পানির করহারে ব্যবধান বাড়ানো (৫% থেকে ১০%)।

৩. বিদেশি বিশেষজ্ঞ এনে শেয়ারবাজার সংস্কারে গতি আনা।

৪. অনিয়মে জড়িত শেয়ারবাজার সংশ্লিষ্টদের বিরুদ্ধে কঠোর ব্যবস্থা।

৫. দীর্ঘমেয়াদি অর্থায়নের উৎস হিসেবে ব্যাংকের পরিবর্তে শেয়ারবাজার ব্যবহার।

প্রধান উপদেষ্টা এসব নির্দেশনার বাস্তবায়নে সংশ্লিষ্ট মন্ত্রণালয় ও বিভাগের জন্য সর্বোচ্চ ছয় মাসের সময়সীমা বেঁধে দিয়েছেন।বৈঠকসূত্রে জানা গেছে যে, যেসব বড় ও সম্ভাবনাময় কোম্পানি শেয়ারবাজারে তালিকাভুক্ত হতে আগ্রহ দেখাচ্ছে না, তাদের উপর জোর না করে বরং প্রণোদনা দিয়ে উৎসাহিত করার কৌশল গ্রহণ করা হবে। এর মাধ্যমে তারা বাজারে আসার জন্য উত্সাহিত হবে, যা শেয়ার বাজারে বিনিয়োগকারীদের আস্থা বাড়াতে সহায়ক হবে।

অতিরিক্তভাবে, বিএসইসি জানিয়েছে যে, আগামী বাজেটে তালিকাভুক্ত ও অ-তালিকাভুক্ত কোম্পানির করের ব্যবধান ৫ শতাংশ থেকে বাড়িয়ে ১০ শতাংশ করার প্রস্তাব পাঠানো হয়েছে। এই প্রস্তাবটি কার্যকর হলে, বড় কোম্পানিগুলোর বাজারমুখী হওয়ার সম্ভাবনা আরও বাড়বে বলে আশা করা হচ্ছে।

বাজার সংশ্লিষ্টরা বলছেন, সরকারি কোম্পানির অংশগ্রহণ বাড়লে শেয়ার বাজারে বিনিয়োগকারীদের আস্থা যেমন বৃদ্ধি পাবে, তেমনি দীর্ঘমেয়াদে বাজার আরও গভীর, শক্তিশালী ও টেকসই হবে। এই উদ্যোগ দেশের অর্থনৈতিক কাঠামোতে বাজারভিত্তিক অর্থায়নের চাহিদা পূরণে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রাখতে পারে বলে মনে করা হচ্ছে।
https://sharenews24.com/article/103257/index.html

Walton’s new smart refrigerators come packed with cutting-edge AIoT technology and energy-saving inverter systems, all wrapped in sleek, user-friendly designs.

These high-tech fridges are now more affordable than ever, bringing advanced features to homes across Bangladesh. Backed by South Asia’s largest R&D team and a robust nationwide service network, Walton continues to dominate the local market. With exports to over 50 countries, their commitment to innovation, climate-smart products, and top-notch customer care keeps Walton at the forefront, both at home and globally.

In an interview with The Business Standard, Md Shahjalal Hossain Limon, senior executive director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC, said the company focuses on making fridges that suit Bangladesh’s climate, stay affordable, and offer smart features. With South Asia’s largest research centre, Walton is now exporting to over 50 countries and investing in automation and eco-friendly technology to stay ahead both at home and abroad.

What new products have you introduced for Eid-ul-Adha?

We’ve launched seven new refrigerator models ahead of Eid, featuring cutting-edge technologies like IoT and AI. Highlights include a smart fridge with an 8-in-1 convertible mode, Dolby sound, and a 21.5-inch Android display, as well as a three-door model with a built-in AI Doctor feature. Other models include inverter-based reversible door options, water dispenser variants, semi-no-frost models with digital controls, and stylish new freezers. These innovations reflect Walton’s leadership in bringing world-class smart refrigeration technology to Bangladeshi homes.

Tell us about the key technologies, features, and benefits of Walton’s new fridge models.

Walton’s new Eid lineup includes smart refrigerators packed with advanced features at competitive prices. The standout is a 620-litre ‘Multimedia Hub’ model with a 21.5-inch Android display, stereo sound, and internet access—perfect for streaming, browsing, and even online grocery shopping. It comes with metal and duo cooling, MSO Plus inverter tech that adjusts cooling based on the room temperature, and customisable compartments to reduce electricity use while keeping food fresh and germ-free.

Another highlight is the 560-litre three-door smart fridge, equipped with dual temperature control, turbo cooling modes, and the unique ‘AI Doctor’ system that detects issues, attempts automatic fixes, and alerts the nearest service centre if needed. With AIoT, users can control the fridge remotely via smartphone.

Additional models include reversible-door fridges (308L and 343L), a 268L water dispenser model, a 348L semi-no-frost model, and a sleek 210L freezer—all featuring energy-saving inverter tech. These fridges use UV-C light and Intelligent Germ Terminator tech to eliminate bacteria and odours, while smart touch controls allow access without opening the door.

Despite high-end features, Walton’s prices remain accessible. For example, while similar multimedia fridges from other brands cost over Tk300,000, Walton offers theirs at around Tk200,000.

How many Walton fridge models are available now, and what are the price range and purchase offers?

Walton is synonymous with refrigeration in Bangladesh. Catering to all social classes, professions, and income groups, we offer hundreds of fridge and freezer designs and models. Prices start from Tk15,000 and go up to Tk200,000. We offer easy instalment facilities – including six-month zero-interest options and up to 36-month plans.

Are there any special benefits for purchasing Walton fridges during Eid?   

Walton traditionally offers special deals during major festivals, and this Eid is no exception. Since 20 February 2025, our nationwide ‘Digital Campaign Season 22’ has been running. Under this, buyers of Walton refrigerators have the opportunity to become millionaires. Every purchaser is also guaranteed a gift. Numerous buyers across the country have already become millionaires by purchasing Walton fridges, and many more will have the chance to win before Eid-ul-Adha.

What after-sales services do Walton fridges offer?   

We provide international-standard after-sales support: a 1-year replacement guarantee, 12-year compressor guarantee, and up to 5 years of free service. With over 86 service centres under the country’s first ISO-certified and largest service network, Walton ensures rapid, top-tier service across Bangladesh.

What’s Walton’s secret to staying the country’s top fridge brand?

We offer fridges for every budget and lifestyle, built with cutting-edge tech by South Asia’s one of the largest R&D and innovation team. They’re energy-efficient, saving up to 75% on electricity, meet global standards, and come at affordable prices. Plus, our wide ISO-certified service network ensures reliable after-sales support. This combination has earned us consumer trust and Superbrand recognition.

What areas are you prioritising to maintain Walton’s Superbrand status in the future?

We’re focusing heavily on automation, product research, and innovation within the refrigeration sector to maintain our top market position. Significant investment is going into implementing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and aligning with global advancements. Our Research and Innovation Centre continues to study emerging demands in a changing socio-economic landscape, ensuring our product innovation meets the expectations of the next generation.

How far ahead is Walton in producing energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigerators compared to competitors?  

Producing environmentally friendly, energy-saving fridges is our top priority. Walton fridges utilise MSO Plus inverter technology based on AIoT to optimise cooling with minimal energy use according to external temperature. We were the first in Bangladesh to produce fridges certified with BSTI’s 5-star energy rating. Walton has also led internationally in phasing out harmful CFC and HCFC gases through joint initiatives with the Department of Environment and UNDP. As a result, carbon emissions have significantly reduced. Our current models use globally recognised eco-friendly gases like R600a and R290, contributing to both environmental conservation and efficient electricity usage.

How does Walton stand out in Bangladesh’s fridge market?

Walton offers the widest range of designs, sizes, and smart features, backed by South Asia’s one of the largest research team. Our fridges are built to handle diverse climates across Bangladesh, making them extra durable. Every model undergoes over 70 quality tests before release. With sizes from 50 to 660 litres and a strong ISO-certified service network nationwide, Walton’s reliability has earned us the ‘Best Brand Award’ 11 years in a row.

How is Walton advancing fridge technology through research and innovation?

Walton invests heavily in research, innovation, and automation at one of the largest Research and Innovation Centre in South Asiain, located in Gazipur, with experts from Bangladesh and abroad. Thanks to this team, Walton leads in AIoT fridge technology, making Bangladesh the first in South Asia to produce French-door fridges and the world’s first to make 8-in-1 convertible side-by-side refrigerators—putting Bangladesh on the global map for smart fridge production.

How affordable are Walton fridges for middle- and lower-income families?

What used to be a luxury is now within reach for many, thanks to Walton’s commercial production since 2008. Even with rising costs from currency issues and imports, Walton keeps prices controlled to ensure fridges stay affordable, always putting customer satisfaction first.

Which countries are Walton fridges exported to, and what is your export strategy moving forward?

Walton exports refrigerators and parts to over 50 countries, including India, Nepal, Nigeria, and Austria. We are aiming to export 500,000 units by 2026. To grow, we’re expanding in Europe, America, and Australia with a skilled Global Business Team and a research centre in South Korea studying global markets. We’ve also acquired three historic European electronics brands—ACC, Zanussi Elettromeccanica, and Verdichter—to boost our global presence. Participating in major expos like CES and the Canton Fair helps strengthen Walton’s “Made in Bangladesh” brand worldwide.

সিঙ্গাপুরের বাজারে পণ্য বিক্রয় করবে ওয়ালটন হাইটেক ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজ পিএলসি। এ লক্ষে সম্প্রতি দেশটিতে পরিবেশক নিয়োগ দিয়েছে ওয়ালটন।

ঢাকা স্টক এক্সচেঞ্জের (ডিএসই) সূত্র এ তথ্য জানা গেছে।

সূত্র মতে, সিঙ্গাপুরের ফ্লেয়ার এম অ্যান্ড ই পিটিই লিমিটেড নামের প্রতিষ্ঠানের সঙ্গে পাঁচ বছরের বছরের চুক্তি স্বাক্ষর করেছে ওয়ালটন হাইটেক। অর্থাৎ আগামী পাঁচ বছর সিঙ্গাপুরে ওয়ালটনের পণ্য বিক্রি করবে এই ফ্লেয়ার এম অ্যান্ড ই।

এই চুক্তির অধীনে ফ্লেয়ার এম অ্যান্ড ই সিঙ্গাপুরে ওয়ালটনের রেফ্রিজারেটর, শীতাতপ নিয়ন্ত্রণযন্ত্র, টেলিভিশন ও রান্নার সরঞ্জামের একমাত্র পরিবেশক হিসেবে কাজ করবে।

https://orthosongbad.com/347288/সিঙ্গাপুরে-পণ্য-বিক্রয়ে/

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