Govt-business collaboration can transform economy within 4-5 years: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Saturday that Bangladesh's economy could undergo significant positive changes within the next four to five years if the government and the business community work together.

"Our goal is to work for the country and its people. There are challenges in some areas, but they can be overcome if we work together," he said.

The premier made the remarks while addressing an exchange meeting with private sector entrepreneurs at the Prime Minister's Office in the capital’s Tejgaon. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

He said both the government and the business community recognise the country's economic challenges, adding that the government is committed to resolving them through continued dialogue with entrepreneurs.

"We all acknowledge that there are many problems. I believe the government has demonstrated that we are making sincere efforts. The government has not yet completed six months in office, yet we have already held several meetings. Our first meeting was with you, followed by discussions with the forum. We are working on sector-specific issues," he said.

Referring to previous discussions, Tarique Rahman said many of the concerns raised by business leaders had already been addressed, while new issues raised at Saturday's meeting would also be taken into consideration.

He announced that the government would hold another meeting with business leaders within the next two to three months.

"The more we meet, the better we will understand your problems and the more effectively we can resolve them," he said.

The prime minister said open and sustained dialogue is essential for finding practical solutions and expressed optimism that continued cooperation would bring meaningful improvements to the economy over the next four to five years.

The meeting also focused on expanding businesses, attracting foreign investment and creating a more conducive 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 of ongoing reforms.

The meeting was informed that decisions had been taken on 21 of the 28 issues discussed at the previous meeting, while the remaining seven were still under review.

Business leaders also presented a roadmap to increase Bangladesh's export earnings to US$100 billion by 2030. The government assured them of diplomatic support to help expand export markets.

Among those present were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku; Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir; Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Robiul Alam; the prime minister's adviser on finance and planning, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman, senior government officials and representatives of leading business groups.