Binod Chaudhary, the richest and most successful industrialist in Nepal, will speak at Bangladesh Business Awards tomorrow as the prestigious event looks to honour the movers and shakers of the corporate world.
The entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist is expected to deliver the keynote speech at the 19th edition of the awards, initiated in 2000 by global logistics provider DHL Express and Bangladesh's leading English newspaper The Daily Star.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi is scheduled to attend the event as chief guest and hand over the trophies to the winners.
Chaudhary is the chairman of CG Corp Global, a Nepalese conglomerate with a portfolio that comprises more than 169 companies and 79 brands in 24 countries.
He is the first businessperson from the Himalayan nation to enter the Forbes billionaire list. Currently, his net worth is $1.5 billion, according to the business magazine.
Chaudhary is a global player in fast-moving consumer goods and the brain behind WaiWai, the CG's iconic brand that earned him the epithet "Noodle King".
His drive and dedication are his intrinsic strengths. And contrary to popular belief, he proved that an entrepreneur can do business in Nepal and still emerge a billionaire.
This year's award ceremony would take place virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic and would be livestreamed on Facebook.
Two individuals and two companies will be awarded in the categories of Outstanding Woman in Business, Business Person of the Year, Best Financial Institution and Enterprise of the Year.
DHL Express and The Daily Star introduced the awards to recognise the achievements and positive contributions of business houses and individuals who have not only grown but contributed to the economic development of the country.
Over the years, the awards shaped up into the most prestigious event in Bangladesh's business community.
Some notable awardees include business leaders Samson H Chowdhury of Square Group, Syed Manzur Elahi of Apex Group, Amjad Khan Chowdhury of Pran-RFL Group, M Anis Ud Dowla of ACI and Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman of PHP Family.
Enterprises such as the BSRM, MM Ispahani, Bengal Plastic Industries, Concord, Meghna Group of Industries, Rahimafrooz, as well as financial institutions like Eastern Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, Brac Bank, City Bank, and IDLC Finance were also awarded.
Lifetime achievement awards were also bestowed on those who have made a difference through their works.
Previous winners include M Matiul Islam, the country's first finance secretary, Nasir A Choudhury, founding managing director of Green Delta Insurance, late MA Samad of Bangladesh General Insurance Company, Laila Rahman Kabir of Kedarpur Tea Company, and Mahbubur Rahman, president of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh.
