In a significant move aimed at modernising and accelerating Bangladesh’s international trade infrastructure, HSBC Bangladesh is set to introduce the country’s first Application Programming Interface (API)-based connectivity service. The initiative is being implemented through a strategic partnership with M&J Group, one of the nation’s leading ready-made garment exporters.
An official agreement was recently signed at HSBC Bangladesh’s management office in Dhaka, marking what industry observers describe as a pivotal step towards a new era of digitally enabled trade finance in the country. The collaboration is expected to transform how trade-related financial transactions are processed, particularly within export-driven industries.
Under the terms of the agreement, M&J Group will integrate its internal enterprise resource planning (ERP) and information technology systems directly with HSBC’s global trade finance platform via API connectivity. This integration will allow seamless, real-time data exchange between the two organisations, significantly reducing reliance on manual documentation and traditional paper-based workflows.
By automating key stages of trade finance operations—such as invoice verification, shipment tracking, and payment processing—the system is expected to shorten turnaround times and improve operational efficiency. Experts suggest that the move will also enhance transparency, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and strengthen compliance in cross-border trade transactions.
Key features of the agreement
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | API-based system integration |
| Partner institutions | HSBC Bangladesh and M&J Group |
| Core objective | Faster, automated trade transaction processing |
| Operational benefits | Real-time data exchange, reduced paperwork, shorter processing time |
| Expected impact | Improved efficiency, transparency, and reliability in trade finance |
Speaking on the occasion, M&J Group’s Managing Director, Salahuddin Ahmed, emphasised that building a technology-driven operational framework remains central to the company’s long-term strategy. He noted that the integration with HSBC’s digital trade platform would significantly strengthen the group’s competitiveness in global markets by streamlining financial operations and enhancing agility.
Mohit Agarwal, Head of Global Trade Solutions for South Asia at HSBC, highlighted that the bank is committed to simplifying and modernising trade finance processes for businesses in Bangladesh. He described the partnership as part of a broader transformation agenda designed to make international trade more efficient and digitally enabled.
In addition, Ahmed Rabiul Hasan, Country Head of Global Trade Solutions at HSBC Bangladesh, remarked that the initiative would not only simplify processes but also establish new benchmarks for efficiency and innovation within the country’s trade finance ecosystem.
Senior executives from both organisations, including M&J Group Director Mahir Dayan Ahmed, attended the signing ceremony. Participants expressed optimism that this collaboration would serve as a model for other industrial sectors in Bangladesh, encouraging wider adoption of digital solutions in trade and finance.
Analysts view this development as a milestone in the ongoing digital transformation of Bangladesh’s export-oriented ready-made garment sector. By reducing procedural complexity and increasing automation, the initiative is expected to pave the way for broader technological adoption across other industries, ultimately contributing to greater competitiveness in global trade markets.