Written by The Banking Post
Bangladeshi businesses — especially SMEs and exporters — must now prove that their supply chains are deforestation-free, traceable, and aligned with global sustainability standards, said Mahbubur Rahman, president of ICC Bangladesh.
Speaking at the launch of a webinar organised by the International Chamber of Commerce headquarters and the International Trade Centre, he stressed that compliance with global environmental rules is now “an urgent priority” for countries like Bangladesh.
The event — Get Ready for EUDR: Live Demo of the Geolocation & Risk Assessment Tool — highlighted rising pressure from the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires exporters to ensure their raw materials do not contribute to forest loss.
To support producers and cooperatives, the ICC and ITC have launched the Deforestation-Free Trade Gateway (DFTG), a UN-backed online platform offering resources for EUDR compliance. The tool enables seamless data sharing with global buyers, helping businesses safeguard market access. Pilot projects are underway across several countries.
For business support organisations, the platform helps identify data gaps, assess deforestation risks, and share verified information — boosting visibility and strengthening compliance across supply chains.
Speakers noted that the DFTG system provides a unified digital platform for data collection, verification, traceability, geolocation-based compliance, and risk assessment. They said the tool enhances market access, empowers smallholders, and promotes sustainable trade.
Rahman said the EUDR marks a “major turning point” for global value chains, pushing international trade toward greater transparency, responsibility, and resilience. He added that DFTG will help local exporters improve supply chain visibility and competitiveness.
“As global trade becomes increasingly sustainability-driven, businesses — especially small ones — must be prepared, capable, and competitive. Bangladesh’s export growth will depend not only on quality and price, but also on ethical and traceable supply chains,” he said.
The webinar featured presentations from ITC experts Akshata Limaye and Mathieu Lamolle, with Lamolle demonstrating how DFTG users can set up accounts, manage company data, declare certifications, run deforestation-risk analyses, and control data access. ICC Bangladesh secretary general Ataur Rahman urged organisers to conduct in-person demonstrations in the country to help businesses fully benefit from the platform.
