Bangladesh to get new facilities in commerce for LDCs graduation

Bangladesh will get new facilities in commerce besides increasing the status of the country for LDCs (Least Developed Countries) graduation meeting all the three criteria of graduation, said Sheikh Fazle Fahim, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI). 

He said LDCs graduation is a big achievement and pride of the country. By achieving the success, foreign investment will be increased in Bangladesh and more employment opportunities will be created which will boost the country's economy. 

Sheikh Fazle Fahim came up with the assertion while addressing an online workshop titled "Effective Partnership with the Private Sector for Sustainable Graduation" organised by the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) of Economic Relations Department on Saturday (February-06) as the guest of honor, read a press release.

Sheikh Fazle Fahim said after LDCs graduation Bangladesh may face some challenges on International Support Measures (ISM) which includes duty and quota free market access, preferential treatments, TRIPS etc.

FBCCI has taken an initiative with the support of international trade centre and international strategic partners on strengthening trade support institutions, export competitiveness, micro, small, medium-sized enterprises (MSME) support, women's economic empowerment, upgrading value chains including in service, promoting digital economy and many more. 

"Our capacity building activities will be taken integrating indigenous inputs with global standard knowledge and all chambers and associations will be included in this platform", he added.    

Sheikh Fazle Fahim said that the celebration of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of the country during LDCs graduation period has become more meaningful, prestigious and colourful which was a dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

A H M Mustafa Kamal MP, FCA, Finance Minister, was the chief guest in the workshop.

Zuena Aziz, principal coordinator (SDG Affairs), Prime Minister's Office and chair of National Task Force on LDC Graduation, presided over the workshop and Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, presented the keynote. 

Tipu Munshi MP, Commerce Minister and  Abdur Rouf Talukder, Senior Secretary, Finance Division, were the special guests on the occasion. Dr Md. Jafar Uddin, Secretary Commerce Ministry,  Dr Rubana Huq, President, BGMEA, Abdul Muktadir, Senior Vice-President BAPI and Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, Chair  Research and Policy Integration for Development, were also present as a panellist.