Progati Industries Ltd (PIL), a state-owned enterprise under the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), formally launched commercial operations today under its new partnership with Toyota.
The inauguration was held at the Progati Industries factory in Sitakunda, Chattogram, marking a significant milestone in the enterprise's ongoing development, according to a press release.
Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Mohammad Obaidur Rahman attended the ceremony as the chief guest. In his address, he said the Progati–Toyota partnership marks a new chapter for Bangladesh's industrial sector. "Launching world-class Toyota vehicles through Progati, the country's sole state-owned industrial platform, equipped with advanced safety and sustainable features, is a major milestone. This initiative opens new horizons for business and commerce in Bangladesh," he said.
Pramith Singh, Managing Director of Toyota Bangladesh, said the partnership would enhance customer service and convenience. "Progati–Toyota embarks on its first journey today. Built on trust, capability and mutual confidence, this collaboration is poised to reach new heights. We are taking a significant step to deliver better service to customers in Bangladesh," he said.
The programme was presided over by Anwarul Alam, Chairman of BSEC and the Progati Industries Board of Directors. He announced that the first batch of 36 Toyota HiAce Commuter vehicles had already arrived at the Progati factory, and that the inauguration officially marked the start of commercial operations.
Progati Industries Managing Director Mohammad Kalam Azad ACS delivered the welcome and opening remarks, outlining the launch and future plans under the Progati–Toyota partnership. He confirmed that the supply of Toyota HiAce Commuter vehicles has begun from today.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, BSEC Chairman Anwarul Alam and Toyota Bangladesh Managing Director Pramith Singh handed over the first vehicle to the secretary of the Ministry of Industries. The officials later responded to questions from print and electronic media representatives.
The launch highlights a major collaboration between Bangladesh's public sector and a global automotive brand, signalling fresh opportunities for industrial growth and technological advancement in the country.