Bangladesh Open for Business
*MALLAH OMAR SHARIF OF ANWAR GROUP OF INDUSTRIES SHARES HIS INSIGHT
Miles to Go
Anwar group is an established conglomerate having 18 companies operating successfully here at home and abroad. The company has etched its name in the industry for pioneering many products and services. “I suppose this could be the many reasons why I have chosen to join this group one and half years back,” says Mallah Omar Sharif, General Manager of Market and Communications of Anwar Group of Industries. Initially he was assigned with building materials division which mainly deals with construction materials. Later he assumed responsibility for 9 companies to lead the marketing team. “My main job is to formulate strategy and policy for these 9 companies with 35 staff working in marketing department.” Even though it was momentous feat to conquer, Mr. Omar tackles the challenges head on realizing that through his work he has paved a way to reach out to consumers, “but it is only a starting. There are miles to go.”
Changing Tides
Bangladesh has undergone significant changes in the recent years. Our GDP growth is at 7.2%, our export stands at $40 billion USD and GDP at $310 billion USD, it is quite encouraging. Initiatives like Padma Bridge, Metro rail, Elevated way, Deep Sea Port have shifted our attitude towards Bangladesh of the 1980’s or 1990’s. Moreover, as per the Human Development Index Bangladesh has moved forward compared to other countries in South Asia. In addition to this political stability also played a significant role in our upwards movement.
Not only the middle class, but lower middle class and also lower class are contributing hugely to Bangladesh’s growing economy. “Look, the more people spend the more the wheel of economy moves,” Mr. Omar states. In the last couple of years Bangladesh has seen less inflation and more private jobs. A growing startup culture encourages people to spend on necessary goods and this contributes to better economy trend which ensures even further spending of all classes. “In my opinion private investment is a key to successful economy,” Mr. Omar comments. Currently, Bangladesh sees private investment of 24-25% of GDP. It should go further and will eventually go further if government continues to takes more initiates like 100 EPZs.
Embracing Digitalization
Data analysis has always been a tool for decision making in business, but in the digital age it has become much easier and faster. In Anwar group, they focus more on automation in field, software based approval and bookkeeping. “Moreover, we are selling flats, furniture and building material through digital platforms,” Mr. Omar informs. In this digital age promotion has also become easier and accurate. One can reach consumer through smartphone, website and social media etc. Nonetheless, one can funnel the target group to feed respective offer to them.
We ushered in the digital age from 2010. With the government’s assistance and the contribution of the private sector, Bangladesh has embraced digitalization. The fourth industrial revolution is happening all over the globe. “Anwar Group has embraced this, and we have incorporated digitization within our business. We have made provisions for Enterprise Resource Planning in our company. We are almost a paperless company, whether we purchase something, or we make a decision, or we take any orders we do it through digital means,” says Mr. Omar.
Shifting Paradigms
Any change, be it positive or negative, has both internal and external resistance. In this ever changing world automation is responsible for limiting human intake in businesses but undoubtedly it has enhanced the capacity accomplish jobs even faster and without error. “Enhancing digital platform allows businesses to measure work in decimals which makes calculation more accurate down to fractions,” Mr. Omar explains. In case of marketing, surveys can be conducted to promote a product/service through digital media. It allows marketers to focus on a small portion of a large area, or even select a particular age group to cater services to.
Mr Omar opines, “Through proper training and capacity building the resistance can be curbed.” People need to understand the advantageous aspect of it, and how it will enhance their life – professionally as well personally. If workers realize they are being benefited, the company in turn will be benefitted. It also creates transparency. A General Manager of Marketing & Communications can be considered the jack of all trades, because this department is involved from the ideation of a product to the consumption along with filtering feedback for further development. Mr. Omar notes, “The most rewarding aspect of my career is to bring smile into consumers face with the product I am dealing with which should also add value to the society.”
Future Prospective
Mr. Omar expounds on his desire to head a business which will not only have a positive impact on people’s life, but also their social value. He explains, “You see, at present businesses are a big profit and loss statement, professionals who are in the business is pushing for more profit but ignoring building social values, social responsibilities in true sense. I want to work with products/services that will talk about not only profit but will also have a sense of social values and social responsibilities.”
Anwar Group of Industries is among those companies which strives to do work for the betterment of the society. Pioneering products and services such as Mala shari, Hossain Cutlery, City bank, Rani corrugated sheet etc gives consumers an idea that Anwar group always tries do bring something new something to the market. “Here I can assure you that they will expand in something people have not seen yet,” Mr. Omar reassures.
An Open Market
Marketing is a dynamic department to work with. One has the options of picking media, research, outdoor, event and many more. But Mr. Omar has a different opinion regarding job seekers. He explains, “When I was a student my parents advised me to work for others. Bangladesh has gone the extra mile now. It has become a land of huge opportunities and has become a lucrative country to start business in a small scale,” which is why he urges the youth to tap into their entrepreneurial instincts. He suggests that students need to seriously consider starting their own cottage industries. In order to make a seamless transition, students can gather 2-3 years of work experience prior to setting up shop. Mr. Omar explains, “In saying this, I am not at all ridding off job market but shifting attitude towards business. I really feel good when I see youngsters pitch for digital marketing or event or activation or prefabricated home solution,” he concludes by saying, “According to me, It is business time now.”
