ICMAB confce explores blueprint for Bangladesh's 'trillion-dollar economy'
Economists at a conference hosted by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), Chattogram Branch Council, explored Bangladesh's economic journey and presented strategies to propel the country into a trillion-dollar economy.
The conference, "Present Scenario of Bangladesh's Economy and Ways to Become a Trillion Dollar Economy", took place at Radisson BLU Chattogram Bay View on 1 December, with ICMAB Vice President Prof Md Salim Uddin in the chair.
Proposing a vision in his speech, Prof Salim outlined Bangladesh's goal to become an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a smart and developed country by 2041.
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Highlighting Bangladesh's growth evolving from the 41st to the 25th largest economy globally by 2035, he also projected a $1 trillion economy by 2040 if the current growth of over 6% continues, with the possibility of achieving it by 2030 if the growth surpasses 8%.
The economist also underscored the country's GDP growth from $79.61 billion in 2007 to over $465 billion in 2022, citing factors such as export-oriented industrialisation, entrepreneurial spirit and improved infrastructure.
Addressing the conference, former governor of Bangladesh Bank Atiur Rahman emphasised the importance of the smart Bangladesh initiative, designed to foster sustainable development by promoting inclusivity, education, healthcare access, innovation and environmental conservation.
The conference also featured insightful sessions, including "Sustainable Financing for Building the Trillion Dollar Economy," presented by Mahtab Uddin Ahmed and "Sustainability Reporting under GRI and SDG Framework," presented by Elias Ahmed and Aditi Haldar.
Md Kausar Alam, M Jahangir Alam and Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed were among the discussants.
Md Abdur Rahman Khan, additional secretary of the finance ministry; Sayed Mohammad Tanvir, managing director of PACIFIC Jeans; and Mohammed Mohiuddin, chairman of Island Securities, were among the guests.
The theme paper was presented by Arif Khan, vice chairman of Shanta Asset Management Ltd.
The event witnessed participation of fellow and associate members and students of ICMAB, higher officials of the government and semi-government organisations, leaders from financial institutions and corporations and academicians.
