Published: 12:29 AM, 24 June 2026
Country's export earnings can be increased to $150 billion: Muktadir
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that Bangladesh's export earnings can be increased from the current $50-55 billion to $150 billion through specific planning, policy support, research, and the development of skilled human resources.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing the DPP presentation and consultation workshop of the proposed project based on the report titled "Study on Competitiveness Assessment of Potential Private Sectors in Bangladesh" at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
The minister said Bangladesh has fulfilled all the conditions required for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. "Now the main challenge is to survive in global competition and acquire the capacity to move to the next stage of development," he said.
He emphasized the need for skill development in industrial sectors, research and innovation, and technology adaptation to achieve this goal.
Referring to the proposed project, Abdul Muktadir noted that although "Export Competitiveness for Jobs" is its central objective, delays in project implementation remain one of the biggest weaknesses in the country's development activities.
The minister also informed the audience that initiatives are being taken to develop infrastructure facilities in the leather and light engineering sectors into internationally standard skill development centers.
He further said that the production of value-added jute products and jute-based fabrics is more profitable than exporting raw jute. To strengthen research, technology development, and international cooperation in this sector, Bangladesh plans to undertake joint research and innovation initiatives with China.
In addition, the minister assured private-sector entrepreneurs of the government's cooperation in resolving their problems. "Our goal is to build an effective bridge between the government and the business community," he said.
The program was chaired by Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Abdur Razzak, Chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID).
Among others, Sheikh Abdur Rahim, Project Director of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs Project, and Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, also spoke at the event.
