Desk Report:
The Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC) held an interactive meeting with private sector leaders to accelerate the nation’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and policy reform initiatives. The primary objective of the event was to foster an effective partnership between the government and the private sector, build mutual trust, and align government initiatives with the needs of the business community.
The ‘Meet and Greet’ introductory and consultative session took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Madhumati Hall of Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka. The event was organized by the IIFC, an entity operating under the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance.
The event was chaired by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Chairman of the IIFC and Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD). It was attended by business leaders from the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI), the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), alongside IIFC board members, senior officials, and experts.
Speakers at the event included Md. Fazlul Hoque—a prominent business leader in the knitwear sector, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), and an IIFC Director—as well as Syed Nasim Manzur, a leader in the leather and footwear industry, former President of the MCCI, and an IIFC Director.
During the discussion, private sector representatives highlighted several critical areas for improving the country’s business, trade, and investment climate. Key issues raised included the establishment of good governance, skills development, the provision of power and energy, logistics and transport infrastructure, the expansion of financing opportunities, and the enhancement of the quality of government services. Furthermore, business leaders emphasized the need to address potential challenges arising from Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, as well as the importance of building capacity regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The discussion also highlighted the necessity for effective reforms and coordinated initiatives between the public and private sectors.
During the meeting, particular stress was placed on maintaining regular and effective consultations with the private sector, jointly formulating development projects, implementing projects through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, and expanding joint investments.
Stakeholders believe that incorporating the private sector’s experience and practical requirements into government policy-making and development planning will pave the way for an improved investment climate, enhanced infrastructural capacity, and sustainable economic growth.
It is expected that this initiative by the IIFC will play a significant role in advancing the nation’s development journey by fostering greater communication, cooperation, and partnership between the public and private sectors.
