Management and Implementation of Two EC-Funded Projects under the Asia-Invest II Programme: “Euro Bengal Frozen Foods” and “Euro Builders”

Young Consultants (YC) was engaged by the Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) and the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to manage and implement two grant-funded projects under the European Commission’s Asia-Invest II Programme. The projects aimed to strengthen economic cooperation and build stronger business links between European Union and Bangladeshi small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the frozen foods and real estate and housing sectors.

During the assignment, YC identified and assessed prospective SMEs for business networking and international collaboration. The firm organized trade missions from Bangladesh to Europe and coordinated incoming trade missions from European countries to Bangladesh, facilitating engagement between businesses and industry representatives.

YC also organized networking meetings, business matchmaking sessions, seminars, and workshops involving Bangladeshi and European business delegates. In addition, the firm facilitated visits to international trade fairs in Europe, helping participating businesses explore potential partnerships and market opportunities.

To ensure the smooth implementation of project activities, YC provided logistical support, including visa arrangements, air tickets, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and field trips. The firm also prepared and submitted quarterly, midterm, and final reports in accordance with the European Commission’s reporting requirements.

Assignment Details
Clients: Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA) and Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB)
Programme: European Commission’s Asia-Invest II Programme
Location: Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh
Duration: 3 months
Start Date: January 2007
Completion Date: March 2007
Total Staff Input: 2 staff-months
Associated Consultants/Offerors: N/A
Senior Professional Staff:

Mr. M. Zakir Hossain — Project Adviser
Mr. S. M. Firoj Hasan — Coordinator
Mr. Altab Hossain — Administrative and Logistics Support
Key Services Provided:

Identification and assessment of prospective SMEs for business networking
Organization of trade missions from Bangladesh to Europe
Coordination of incoming European trade missions to Bangladesh
Organization of networking meetings, business matchmaking events, seminars, and workshops
Facilitation of visits to international trade fairs in Europe
Logistical support, including travel, accommodation, transportation, and field trips
Preparation and submission of quarterly, midterm, and final reports in accordance with European Commission requirements