Desk Report:
Bangladesh has underscored the importance of export diversification, investment in productive sectors, and fostering sustainable partnerships to tackle global challenges such as geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and climate change. The need to build a green and inclusive economic framework, alongside expanding regional and global connectivity, was highlighted as essential for maintaining resilience in the evolving global economy.
Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, the Minister of Commerce, Industries, Textiles, and Jute, made these remarks while speaking as a panelist at the policy dialogue of the 11th Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit held in Hong Kong.
Speaking at the session titled “Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape,” he noted that for a developing nation like Bangladesh, economic resilience goes beyond merely weathering crises; it involves creating a system capable of adapting to global changes while generating employment and new opportunities.
Highlighting preparations for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the Minister stated that Bangladesh is now moving towards growth driven by productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Special emphasis is being placed on four key areas to achieve this goal.
These include export diversification, the development of connectivity infrastructure, attracting investment in productive sectors, and green economic transformation. Initiatives are underway to integrate sectors such as pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, agro-processing, light engineering, information technology, and man-made fibers—alongside the ready-made garment industry—into global value chains.
The Minister added that Bangladesh welcomes investments that facilitate technology transfer, skill development, and the integration of local industries into international supply chains. He noted that the BRI framework offers significant opportunities for partnerships in sectors such as economic zones, logistics, and renewable energy. He also emphasized the expansion of digital commerce, cross-border e-commerce, and digital payment systems to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women entrepreneurs, and local businesses with the global market.
Calling for future trade and investment frameworks to be made environmentally friendly in order to tackle the impacts of climate change, he stated that low-carbon production, sustainable logistics, and green infrastructure would form the foundation of the future economy.
Regarding Bangladesh-China relations, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir noted that the ties between the two nations have been elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” Seventeen significant agreements have been signed recently; under this framework, various projects—including the modernization of Mongla Port and the establishment of a Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram—are currently being implemented.
He also mentioned that “Invest Bangladesh” has taken the initiative to open its first overseas investment office in China to further strengthen investment ties with the country.
Describing Hong Kong as one of Bangladesh’s vital commercial gateways, the Minister stated that Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between mainland China and the global market must be effectively utilized.
He asserted that the future global economy can be strengthened not through isolation, but rather through mutual cooperation, sustainable development, and an open trade system.
