B Mirror Desk : ShopUp, Bangladesh’s largest B2B commerce platform, recently hosted Gateway Gulf, an exclusive event bringing together high-value stakeholders to celebrate the launch of a direct distribution channel for Bangladeshi brands into Saudi retail.
The initiative follows the recent merger of ShopUp and Sary, which led to the formation of SILQ, a platform focused on bridging economies and empowering businesses to trade, grow, and explore new frontiers. SILQ aims to transform local products and manufacturers into global brands by connecting them with entrepreneurs across emerging markets in the Gulf, South Asia, and beyond. Powered by Sary’s regional infrastructure and ShopUp’s deep-rooted local sourcing capabilities, the platform marks a major step in simplifying cross-border trade and elevating the global presence of Bangladeshi products.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Mitchel Lee, Chargé d’Affaires of the Singapore High Commission, James Goldman, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, as well as valued anchor clients and important banking partners.
Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank said in his speech, “This platform has opened up a fantastic opportunity for Bangladesh to penetrate new markets with a fresh cohort of locally made, high-potential products. I congratulate ShopUp on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing more Bangladeshi brands making their mark on the global stage.”
Afeef Zaman, Founder and Group CEO of SILQ, spoke to the platform’s broader vision, “Bangladeshi products — from heritage grains to household staples — have what it takes to become global brands. Take Chinigura rice, for example: a premium aromatic variety unique to Bangladesh. With the right branding and access, it can become synonymous with Bangladesh on the world stage. This platform is about creating those pathways — starting with the Gulf.
A key highlight of the evening was a story shared by Mr. Hafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi diaspora entrepreneur who successfully exported puffed rice to Saudi Arabia using the platform — demonstrating its potential to open new markets for local producers.
At its core, Gateway Gulf is driven by a simple thesis: to empower Bangladeshi diaspora entrepreneurs across the Gulf to become global brand ambassadors — championing the taste, quality, and pride of Bangladesh across international borders.
About ShopUp
ShopUp is a B2B commerce company that connects mills, brands, and manufacturers to small neighborhood shops, creating a seamless distribution for food & essentials. Currently, millions of people in Bangladesh access food and essentials through ShopUp’s network of small shops.
