Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin on Thursday emphasized that the government is actively working to diversify Bangladesh’s export sector and reduce its heavy reliance on the readymade garments (RMG) industry, while enhancing global competitiveness.
Addressing a seminar titled “Role of Competitiveness for Jobs Project on Export Diversification in Bangladesh” at Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, Bashir Uddin called for policy support and committed entrepreneurs to drive product diversification and strengthen the country’s presence in international markets.
“Entrepreneurs must be hardworking and continuously enhance their capabilities through relevant knowledge and skills. Only then can we achieve sustainable growth in exports,” he said.
The adviser highlighted government reforms and investments under the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, which aims to help Bangladesh reach a national export target of $100 billion by 2030, according to a commerce ministry press release.
He observed that for the past 16 years, export policies were largely idealistic and expenditure-driven, often formulated without sufficient debate.
“Now, policies are being developed through consultations, discussions, and debates with the business community; all in the country’s best interest,” he said.
Bashir also noted the impact of geopolitical factors on global trade and stressed the importance of identifying Bangladesh’s position within this complex landscape.
The seminar featured addresses by Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Md Abdur Rahim Khan and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman.
Bijon Islam, CEO of LightCastle Partners, presented the keynote paper, while a panel discussion included Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau Mohammad Hasan Arif, UNDP Senior Economic Adviser Weiss Parry, Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman M Masrur Riaz and World Bank Senior Private Sector Specialist Hosna Ferdous Sumi.
The EC4J Project, a government and World Bank-funded initiative, has been active since July 2017 and is expected to run until June 2026, with an estimated cost of Tk1,264.17 crore.
The project focuses on export diversification, targeting high-potential sectors beyond RMG; namely leather and leather goods, footwear, light engineering and plastics.
As part of these efforts, four international-standard technology centers are being established, including the Design & Technology Center for Leathergoods and Footwear (DTCLF) in Kashimpur, Gazipur and Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Technology (CEET) in Kaliakoir, Gazipur. Construction is progressing well and is expected to be completed on schedule.
These centers will provide technology services, modern training, and technical and business advisory support to manufacturers, particularly SMEs, to enhance export readiness, market expansion and job creation.
Additionally, Export Readiness Fund (ERF) has provided matching grants totaling Tk128 crore to 106 factories to improve export capacity and compliance.
Market-linkage initiatives included participation in five international trade fairs and the organization of the Meet Bangladesh Expo (MBX) in Dhaka, where 100 local companies showcased products to around 300 domestic and foreign business representatives, buyers, sector leaders and diplomats.
To strengthen B2B connections and facilitate sustainable export growth, an online market intelligence platform, exportbangladesh.org, has been launched, enabling exporters to connect directly with international buyers.
SH
