On 11 August 2025, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh hosted a landmark seminar titled “Forum for EU Trade: Spotlight on Digital Product Passport” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka. Supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, with DigiProd Pass Ltd. and Digital Architect Ltd. as technical partners.
The event marked Bangladesh’s first national-level platform dedicated to the European Union’s new sustainability regulations, most notably the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and its cornerstone initiative, the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
As a global consultancy at the forefront of sustainability and digital transformation, Technovative Solutions Ltd. was proud to participate in this pioneering event. Our specialist unit, DigiProd Pass Ltd., is widely recognised as a leading provider of Digital Product Passport solutions across both the EU and Asia.
Through our blockchain-enabled traceability platforms, we are committed to supporting export-oriented economies such as Bangladesh in aligning with international standards for EU compliance, traceability, and circular economy practices.
Opening and Dignitaries
The day-long forum brought together more than one hundred influential figures from government, trade associations, global brands, industry leaders and technology innovators. The Chief Guest, Mr Mahbubur Rahman, Honourable Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, underscored the importance of preparing Bangladesh’s export sectors for upcoming EU sustainability requirements. He stressed that while compliance with provisions such as the DPP is essential, implementation should not create excessive financial burdens for exporters.
The session was chaired by Mr Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export), Ministry of Commerce. He highlighted the urgency of establishing coordinated policy frameworks to guide exporters through the transition to EU regulatory standards.
Distinguished Guests of Honour included H.E. Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Mr Md Anwar Hossain, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Both emphasised the strategic importance of the EU Green Deal for Bangladesh’s trade future. Mr Hossain, in particular, called for a government-owned data ecosystem to streamline DPP adoption and ensure inclusivity for exporters, factory owners, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Setting the Context
The programme began with an introduction by Dr Michael Klode, Head of Project, STILE-II, GIZ, who framed the discussion around the EU’s sustainability regulations. He noted that raising awareness across all tiers of the supply chain is vital if Bangladesh is to remain competitive in international markets.
Mr Sohag Salauddin, Managing Director of DigiProd Pass Ltd., welcomed participants and explained the company’s pivotal role as Bangladesh’s major Digital Product Passport platform provider. As the specialist unit of Technovative Solutions, DigiProd Pass has already delivered blockchain-enabled traceability solutions for pilot projects across Europe and Asia.
Expert Presentations and Panels
The first keynote address was delivered by Joanna Knight, Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Co-Founder of The Sustainable Design Collective. Her presentation provided a clear overview of the EU’s evolving regulatory landscape, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the Waste Framework Directive, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). She highlighted how these frameworks are interconnected and set to redefine the standards for sustainable and circular trade.
The technical deep dive on DPP was presented by Dr Fahim Chowdhury, Chairperson of DigiProd Pass Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of Technovative Solutions Ltd. His address examined the structure, scope and strategic relevance of the Digital Product Passport within the ESPR, drawing upon international case studies such as the Digital Battery Passport. He emphasised how digital traceability can build trust with global buyers, enhance risk management, and promote supply chain transparency.
Two interactive panel discussions followed. The first, “From Regulation to Readiness: Is Bangladesh Prepared?”, moderated by Dr Michael Klode, featured senior representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). This session examined how Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, among others, can adapt to the DPP and what institutional support will be required.
The second panel, “Implementation Insights and Challenges: Experience Sharing from the Field”, was moderated by Joanna Knight. It featured speakers from DigiProd Pass, Reverse Resources, Urmi Group, Data Develop Consulting, Sera Bangladesh, and the Ministry of Commerce's Planning Wing.
Discussions revealed the challenges faced by suppliers in understanding circular supply chains and adopting digital systems, especially within SMEs, while also underlining the potential for new business opportunities through compliance with EU traceability standards.
Technical Sessions and Technology Showcase
The technical session provided an in-depth exploration of the architecture and application of the Digital Product Passport. The Digital Battery Passport was presented as a strong example of sector-specific traceability, demonstrating how data-driven approaches can enhance both safety and sustainability.
The day concluded with a technology showcase, where DigiProd Pass demonstrated its blockchain-enabled DPP platform, offering full lifecycle traceability for export products.
Complementary solutions were presented by:
each highlighting innovative approaches to managing supply chain data.
Outcomes and Way Forward
Several key outcomes emerged from the forum. Participants agreed on the urgent need for a national data ecosystem to coordinate DPP adoption. Clear industry requirements and supportive policies were highlighted as essential for ensuring exporters’ preparedness, while training and awareness-building for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were prioritised to ensure no segment of the value chain is excluded.
From Technovative Solutions’ perspective, this forum represented a decisive step forward in aligning Bangladesh’s export industries with EU trade requirements. Through DigiProd Pass, our specialist unit, we remain committed to delivering secure, interoperable and scalable Digital Product Passport systems that enable end-to-end traceability, support the circular economy, and position Bangladesh as a trusted leader in sustainable trade.
This seminar was more than just an awareness-building exercise. It marked the beginning of a coordinated movement to embrace Digital Product Passport technology in Bangladesh, reinforcing the country’s competitiveness in international markets and setting the course for a smarter, transparent and sustainable future.
