Published: 11:51 AM, 01 September 2026 Last Update: 11:56 AM, 01 September 2026
UNDP backs Bangladesh drive to boost investment, exports and MSMEs
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh to attract investment, facilitate business and trade, cut logistics costs and enhance the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The UN development agency also plans to explore greater support for strengthening Bangladesh’s export capacity and improving the country’s ability to negotiate international trade agreements, according to officials.
The issues were discussed at a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques at the Secretariat on Sunday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
During the meeting, UNDP officials highlighted Bangladesh’s growing investment potential and emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic businesses while ensuring that environmental and social standards are maintained across the business sector.
Rodriques said UNDP was interested in identifying areas where it could provide technical assistance, international expertise and capacity-building support to help Bangladesh make its businesses more competitive in the global economy. The discussions came as Bangladesh seeks to improve its investment climate, diversify exports and strengthen private-sector capacity amid an increasingly competitive international trading environment. Commerce Minister Muktadir said the government had already undertaken a number of initiatives to simplify business licensing, approvals and other regulatory procedures.
According to the minister, processes that previously took around three months can now be completed within two weeks in some cases. “We will take all necessary measures to make these processes simpler, faster and more effective,” he said. He stressed that reducing bureaucratic delays was essential to creating a more business-friendly environment and encouraging both domestic and foreign investment.
The minister said the government was committed to removing unnecessary procedural barriers and improving the efficiency of public services related to business operations.
He also sought UNDP’s support in identifying financing gaps faced by MSMEs, developing entrepreneurs’ skills through targeted training programmes and establishing stronger links between local businesses and domestic and international markets.
Reducing Bangladesh’s relatively high logistics costs was another major issue discussed at the meeting.
The two sides explored ways to improve the efficiency of port and terminal management and reduce the time and cost involved in moving goods through the country’s trade and transport infrastructure.
Muktadir said the government was committed to improving Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness by introducing internationally recognised management systems at ports and terminals.
Efficient logistics, he said, would help reduce business costs, improve delivery times and make Bangladeshi products more competitive in international markets.
For an export-dependent economy, improvements in logistics and trade facilitation are particularly important, as delays in customs clearance, port handling and transportation can raise costs for exporters and undermine their competitiveness.
The minister also stressed the need for greater efficiency in customs procedures and sought UNDP assistance in identifying ways to eliminate unnecessary delays.
Rodriques said UNDP would explore opportunities to connect Bangladesh’s small and medium-sized enterprises with global supply chains and help transform them into more export-oriented businesses.
He said strengthening the capabilities of local enterprises would be crucial for Bangladesh to take advantage of emerging opportunities in international markets.
UNDP is also interested in providing training, practical tools and opportunities for international experience-sharing to help Bangladesh improve trade facilitation and customs procedures.
Rodriques said such support could help reduce unnecessary delays at the border, facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen the capacity of Bangladeshi officials involved in negotiating international trade agreements.
He also noted that international investors were viewing recent changes in Bangladesh positively, suggesting that ongoing reforms could help improve investor confidence if implemented effectively.
The UNDP representative said the organisation would examine how its assistance could be better aligned with Bangladesh’s current economic priorities.
The meeting also focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s capacity to negotiate international trade agreements.
As the country seeks to expand market access and diversify its export basket, stronger negotiating capacity will be increasingly important. UNDP officials indicated that international experience, specialised training and technical tools could help Bangladeshi policymakers and trade officials deal more effectively with complex trade negotiations.
Rodriques expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s recent developments and long-term economic potential, saying UNDP would reorient its assistance in line with the government’s priorities.
These priorities include job creation, economic growth and economic diversification, he said.
The government’s emphasis on faster regulatory services, combined with UNDP’s proposed support in skills development, trade facilitation and global market integration, could therefore provide a foundation for deeper public-private collaboration.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing interest in exploring concrete areas of cooperation and aligning development support with Bangladesh’s economic priorities.
Ministry of Commerce Joint Secretary Mahbuba Khatoon Minu, UNDP Bangladesh Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne and Assistant Resident Representative Anowarul Haq, among others, were present at the meeting.
