A new platform has been launched, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh's trade and investment ecosystem, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
The 'Resilient Supply Chains for Sustainable Trade and Investments Platform' was launched as the country prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Commerce, International Labour Organisation (ILO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) jointly launched it at the BIDA auditorium on Tuesday, said a press statement.
The platform will act as a hub for policy dialogue, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, driving policy coherence, supply chain development, and public-private partnerships, according to the statement.
This initiative supports Bangladesh's LDC graduation by promoting international labour standards, inclusive growth, and decent work, it added.
Joining the launching event virtually, Chief Guest Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy for International Affairs, said: "Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status is a chance to build a new kind of competitiveness, one based on value, skills, quality, and fairness."
The statement also quoted him as saying: "This platform connects government, private sector, and partners to shape the next chapter of our economic development, matching growth with dignity and sustainability."
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, BIDA in his opening remarks said: "Let's set a clear roadmap and hold ourselves accountable, so by the end of 2026, we know exactly where we stand. This platform is about real progress, not just conversation."
Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, said: "As Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, we are advancing regulatory reforms and aligning our trade and investment policies with global best practices. Our goal is to create a stronger, more competitive environment for both domestic and cross-border investment, ensuring sustainable growth and decent work for all."
Max Tuñón, Country Director, ILO Bangladesh, said supply chains are ultimately about people, the workers and entrepreneurs who drive Bangladesh's economy forward.
"This platform is our opportunity to build joint solutions that put dignity and opportunity at the centre, making a real difference in everyday lives as Bangladesh transitions beyond LDC status," the ILO country head added.
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, was also quoted as saying: "We are now poised to formally launch a platform for pooling our efforts to make the future growth of Bangladesh greener and more inclusive. This platform will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing. It will help in aligning investments, production and trade to environmental sustainability and social safeguards."
Both UN agencies emphasised their appreciation for the close partnership with BIDA and the Ministry of Commerce, and called for more actors, including other UN agencies to join the platform network. The UN agencies acknowledged the major support received from the country's development partners, including Team Europe and Global Affairs Canada.
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