PM Says Joint Government-Business Efforts Can Drive Economic Change

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has said coordinated efforts by the government and the private sector could bring significant positive changes to Bangladesh’s economy within the next four to five years.

He made the remarks on Saturday (August 1) during a four-hour meeting with private-sector entrepreneurs at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. The meeting was organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

The Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplú provided details of the meeting.

Tarek Rahman said the government’s primary objective is to work for the country and its people and acknowledged that several challenges remain.

“There are problems in some areas. But if we work together, it is possible to overcome them,” he said.

He said both the government and business community recognize the country’s existing economic challenges and that the government is working to address them through continued dialogue with entrepreneurs.

The Prime Minister noted that the government has held several meetings with business leaders since taking office and has also discussed sector-specific problems with different business forums.

According to him, many of the issues raised during previous meetings have already been addressed, while new challenges were identified during Saturday’s discussion.

He said the government plans to hold another meeting with business representatives within the next two to three months.

“The more we meet, the more we will understand your problems and work to resolve them,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that sustained dialogue is essential for finding practical solutions to economic challenges.

He said continued and open discussions between the government and private sector could help bring positive changes to the economy within four to five years.

The meeting discussed business expansion, increasing foreign investment and creating a more favorable environment for new industries.

Entrepreneurs called for easier access to loans, stronger policy support and a more business-friendly regulatory environment.

Business leaders also expressed satisfaction with progress on several issues raised during previous meetings.

Officials said that of 28 issues discussed at the previous meeting, decisions have been made on 21, while the remaining seven are still under consideration.

Business representatives also presented a roadmap aimed at increasing Bangladesh’s export earnings to $100 billion by 2030.

The government assured business leaders that it would provide necessary support at the diplomatic level to help expand export markets.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman, senior government officials and representatives of major business groups.