DCCI and EWU Sign MoC to Strengthen Industry–Academia Collaboration and Foster Entrepreneurship
Sep 08, 2025
The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and East West University (EWU) have officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote entrepreneurship development, strengthen industry–academia collaboration, and advance sustainable business practices in Bangladesh.
The signing ceremony, held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the EWU campus, marked a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academic research and real-world industry demands, with the shared vision of fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic growth.
The MoC was formally signed by Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU, and Mr. Taskeen Ahmed, President of DCCI, on behalf of their respective institutions.
As part of this strategic collaboration, EWU and DCCI will jointly design and deliver a series of specialized, high-impact professional certificate courses. The initial programs will focus on three priority areas:
- Entrepreneurship and Startup Development
- Sustainable Business Strategy and ESG Reporting
- Project Management, including PMP and Agile Practices
Each program will run for three months and will be offered four times annually, in both online and in-person formats, ensuring accessibility for a diverse group of participants, including working professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.
Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of EWU’s Board of Trustees and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, attended the event as the Distinguished Guest. In his address, he highlighted the broader national significance of this initiative, emphasizing its role in advancing economic growth and positioning Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global economy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Dr. Shams Rahman reaffirmed EWU’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by working hand-in-hand with the private sector.
“This partnership with DCCI is a pivotal step toward developing future-ready professionals and entrepreneurs. By bridging academia and industry, we can create a workforce equipped to meet the evolving challenges of today’s dynamic business environment,” he stated.
In his remarks, DCCI President Mr. Taskeen Ahmed underscored the importance of industry–academia collaboration, stating:
“DCCI has always championed the spirit of partnership between industry and academia, recognizing its vital role in building a skilled workforce and accelerating the country’s economic transformation.”
The ceremony was also graced by Professor Dr. Ashik Mosaddik, Pro Vice-Chancellor of EWU; Professor Dr. Ahmed Wasif Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, EWU; Chairpersons of the CSE and BBA Departments; Md. Salem Sulaiman, Vice President of DCCI; Syed Mamnun Quader, Kamrul Hasan Tuhin, and Minhaj Ahmed, Directors of DCCI; Dr. AKM Asaduzzaman Patwary, Acting Secretary General of DCCI; along with senior officials, faculty members, and distinguished guests.
This partnership is expected to deliver far-reaching impacts, including:
- Developing skilled entrepreneurs and business leaders capable of driving innovation-led growth.
- Promoting sustainability and ESG awareness, aligning Bangladesh with global business and reporting standards.
- Creating jobs and enhancing productivity, thereby fostering inclusive and equitable economic development.
- Establishing a replicable model of industry–academia collaboration for other institutions and chambers across the country.
The MoC between DCCI and EWU represents a transformative step toward cultivating the next generation of professionals and entrepreneurs. By uniting the strengths of academia and industry, this collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, advance sustainable development, and reinforce Bangladesh’s long-term economic growth trajectory.
