Published: 09:45 AM, 29 June 2026
Govt implementing reforms to create investment-friendly environment: Muktadir
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said the government is implementing a series of rapid reforms in business registration, licensing, port management and the energy sector to create a more investment-friendly environment aimed at boosting investment, expanding industrialisation, generating employment and strengthening export competitiveness.
He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Collaboration for Employment Generation and Skills Development in the Industrial Sector" held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara this afternoon.
The commerce minister said the readymade garment (RMG) sector accounts for nearly 85 percent of the country's total export earnings, describing the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) as one of the country's strongest and most organised business associations.
While sectors such as leather, jute, light engineering and shipbuilding have significant potential, he said none would be able to match the scale of the RMG industry in the short term.
"Therefore, the contribution of the RMG sector to the national economy remains indispensable," the Commerce Minister said.
Muktadir said the present government has been working since assuming office to transform Bangladesh into an attractive global investment destination.
Noting that it currently takes an average of 355 days to start a business and obtain the necessary licences, he said the government has undertaken initiatives to drastically reduce the timeframe.
Under the reform plan, entrepreneurs will be able to obtain the Import Registration Certificate (IRC) and other primary approvals within 14 days of company registration, enabling them to import machinery and establish industries much faster.
Muktadir said the government will introduce an integrated inspection system to replace separate inspections by different agencies, reducing harassment for entrepreneurs and significantly shortening the time required to establish industrial facilities.
He also said a comprehensive one-stop service will provide online access to trade licences, company registration, share transfers and company dissolution services, following successful models adopted by Singapore and Malaysia.Highlighting port sector reforms, he said the engagement of international operators would improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce vessel waiting time and lower transportation costs, enabling exporters and importers to become more competitive in the global market.
Referring to challenges in the energy sector, the minister said that the government plans to install another Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) alongside increasing domestic gas production and LNG imports.
The new terminal is expected to add 550-600 million cubic feet of gas per day to the national grid.
"The gas shortage has prevented many industries from commencing production. Ensuring uninterrupted energy supply is therefore one of the government's top priorities, as it is crucial for industrial production, employment generation and export growth," he continued.
Concluding his speech, the commerce minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to working in partnership with business leaders and industrial entrepreneurs to build a modern, efficient and investment-friendly business environment so that Bangladesh can emerge as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment and trade.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan chaired the programme while Asian University for Women Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr Rubana Huq delivered the welcome address.Among others, Asian University for Women Founder Kamal Ahmad, Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung and HSBC Bangladesh Head of Sustainability Syeda Afzalun Nessa also spoke at the event.
Former BGMEA President Engineer Kutubuddin Ahmed, its former Vice-President and Urmi Group Managing Director (MD) Asif Ashraf, and other industry leaders were present.
