Published Date

13

May 2010
Thursday

Launching Ceremony of Rural Marketing Course in Academia

Launching Ceremony of Rural Marketing Course in Academia

LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF RURAL MARKETING COURSE IN ACADEMIA

The launching ceremony, held in Lakeshore Hotel last 8 May 2010, was indeed significant since for the first time in academia a course in Rural Marketing was offered by the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and  Eastern University (EU). The partnership resulted to the sound process of planning and development of the course. The presence of national and international personalities from the International Organizations, the National Government, the Academia and the Business sector made the event truly a meaningful and of paramount importance. The strong rationale and impact of the course, and the vast opportunities it can offer to make rural marketing a potential tool to accelerate business were underscored by the distinguished speakers during the launching. Spearheaded by the Honorable Commerce Minister,  Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan as the Chief Guest. He particularly expressed his thanks and appreciation to the private universities, AIUB and EU on their pioneering efforts to offer this important course which would help boost  business in the country. He further assured the audience of his continued support to the cause of the private universities since being a former teacher he understands the predicament faced by the private universities in the pursuit of their goals. The other speaker was Mr. Gotz Ebbecke, General Manager of Katalyst, the funding organization , was very thankful  for the project is now in full swing. He is looking forward to the sustainability and expansion of the rural marketing course particularly in both the other private and public universities. The Vice Chancellor of AIUB, Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna spoke on the importance of rural marketing and its contribution to the development and growth of Bangladesh. She assured the Katalyst of the continuous support and participation in any project that would redound to the quality and excellence of the academic programs. On the other hand, Dr. Rahim Talukdar, Vice Chancellor of EU expressed his apprecitation to the Katalyst and Future Leaders for the opportunity to participate in this laudable undertaking. As a marketing expert, he believes that the course can contribute to widen and enrich the knowledge of the students. The other speakers during the launching were Mr. Quazi M. Ahmed, CEO, Future Leaders; Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain, Pro Vice Chancellor of AIUB; Prof. Dr. Abdur Rab, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, EU; Prof. Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, AIUB; and Mr. M.A. Kader, Consultant of Bata Shoe Co. Ltd. representing the industry sector. The teachers who participated in the Case Writing Workshop which was previously organized with the technical assistance of Mr. Nayar, a consultant from India were presented a Certificate of Participation by the Chief Guest. The Katalyst and Future Leaders jointly expressed their thanks to all the support extended in making the Rural Marketing Course Project a total success.