Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s economy could undergo significant positive changes within the next four to five years through close cooperation between the government and the private sector.
“If the government and the business community work together, it will be possible to bring positive changes to the country’s economy within the next four to five years,” he said after a four-hour views exchange meeting with private sector entrepreneurs at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
The meeting was organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu, the Prime Minister said the government’s objective is to work for the country and its people, acknowledging that while challenges remain, they can be overcome through joint efforts.
“The government understands the existing problems facing the economy, and so do the businesspeople. We are sincerely working to resolve the issues, and discussions between the government and the business community will continue,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that although the government has not yet completed six months in office, it has already held several meetings with business leaders and is addressing sector-specific issues.
Referring to an earlier meeting, he said many of the concerns raised by entrepreneurs had already been resolved, while new issues identified during the latest discussion would also receive attention.
He announced that another meeting with business leaders would be held within the next two to three months.
“The more frequently we meet, the better we will understand your problems and the more effectively we will be able to solve them,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of regular dialogue, the Prime Minister said sustainable solutions emerge through continuous discussions and cooperation.
The Deputy Press Secretary said the meeting focused on business expansion, attracting greater foreign investment and creating a more favourable environment for industrialisation.
Business leaders called for easier access to credit, stronger policy support and a more business-friendly environment. They also appreciated several government initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
The meeting was informed that 21 of the 28 issues discussed during the previous meeting had already been resolved, while the remaining seven issues are still under process.
Entrepreneurs also presented a roadmap to increase Bangladesh’s export earnings to US$100 billion by 2030. The government assured them of providing the necessary diplomatic support to help achieve the target.
Among those attending the meeting were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, senior government officials and representatives of various industrial groups.
Prominent business leaders including Syed Nasim Manzur of Apex Group, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury of PRAN-RFL Group, Mostafa Kamal of Meghna Group and M A Jabbar of DBL Group also participated in the meeting, along with representatives from Incepta, RANGS, Pacific Jeans, ACI, Bay Footwear, Runner, Walton and Jamuna.
