Algerian businessman says his decade-long business ties with Bangladesh should have been considered

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Muhammad Yacine Belgacemi, an Algerian businessman who has been doing business in Bangladesh for nearly a decade, has expressed disappointment over the rejection of his recent French visa application.

Born and raised in Algiers, Belgacemi started his business career in Algeria before expanding his operations to countries including China and Bangladesh. Over the past 10 years, he has developed business relationships with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, particularly in the textile and readymade garment sectors.

He has also been involved in facilitating business links between Bangladesh and Algeria, particularly in creating opportunities for Bangladeshi apparel products to enter the Algerian market.

In an interview with The Daily Business File, Belgacemi spoke about his business experience in Bangladesh, his long-standing commercial commitments, and his concerns following the French visa refusal.

The Daily Business File: Tell us about your business journey in Bangladesh.

Yacine Belgacemi: I have been doing business in Bangladesh for nearly 10 years. During this period, I have worked in international trade, sourcing, production and business development, particularly in the textile and apparel sectors.

I have developed long-term relationships with Bangladeshi suppliers, manufacturers and business partners. Bangladesh has now become an important part of my international business strategy.

The Daily Business File: How do you view Bangladesh's business and investment environment?

Yacine: Bangladesh has enormous potential. Its skilled workforce, strong manufacturing capacity, textile and apparel industries, and established supply chains are major strengths.

However, to attract more international investment, the country needs greater policy predictability, improved administrative efficiency, better infrastructure and stronger coordination among government institutions.

The Daily Business File: You have been paying applicable taxes, VAT and government charges. How important is compliance to you?

Yacine: I believe that anyone doing business in a country has a responsibility to comply with its laws and regulations.

I have been conducting business in Bangladesh for many years while fulfilling applicable tax, VAT and other government obligations. At the same time, investors need effective institutional support when legitimate business-related problems arise.

The Daily Business File: Your recent French visa application was rejected. How has the decision affected you?

Yacine: Naturally, I was disappointed. For an international businessman, travelling between countries is a normal part of business. Meetings, negotiations, partnerships and commercial relationships often require international travel.

I respect the authority of the French visa authorities to make such decisions. However, my concern is whether my actual circumstances were fully considered on the basis of the documents and information I submitted.

The Daily Business File: One of the concerns cited in the visa decision was reportedly that you might not return to Bangladesh after travelling to France. How do you view this assessment?

Yacine: I found that assessment difficult to understand. I have been doing business in Bangladesh for nearly 10 years. I have established business relationships, ongoing operations, investments and professional commitments here.

My business is built on continuity. I therefore see no reason to abandon the business relationships and commitments I have built in Bangladesh over the past decade.

I respect the decision of the visa authorities. However, I would expect an applicant's complete professional, financial and personal circumstances, along with the relevant documentation, to be taken into consideration.

The Daily Business File: Do you believe your business history and long-standing ties with Bangladesh were adequately considered?

Yacine: I cannot say how each document was assessed internally by the authorities. However, I believe my 10-year business history, commercial commitments, financial capacity, tax and VAT compliance, and established ties with Bangladesh are important factors in understanding my circumstances.

The Daily Business File: Could this experience affect your future business decisions in Bangladesh?

Yacine: I do not want a difficult experience to change my overall view of Bangladesh. I have confidence in the people of Bangladesh and in the country's business potential.

My future decisions will be based on the overall business environment, available opportunities and the prospects for long-term investment.

The Daily Business File: What role should BIDA play in supporting foreign investors?

Yacine: Post-investment support is also important after an investor enters a country.

BIDA can play a role in helping investors address administrative complications, improving coordination among government agencies, facilitating necessary support for legitimate business activities, and, where appropriate, assisting with institutional communication with foreign missions.

Investors should have a clear understanding of where they can seek assistance when they encounter legitimate business-related difficulties.

The Daily Business File: What are your plans for expanding your business in Bangladesh?

Yacine: Bangladesh has significant potential in textiles, readymade garments, manufacturing, sourcing and export-oriented industries.

I see opportunities for long-term manufacturing partnerships, strengthening supply chains and connecting Bangladeshi products more effectively with international markets.

After 10 years, Bangladesh is no longer simply a country where I do business. It has become an important part of my international business strategy.