Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin on Sunday said the primary objective of the national economy should be to generate a surplus from expenditure, urging a shift toward self-reliance and efficiency in resource utilisation.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the ‘Road to Made in Bangladesh and Agro Machinery Fair 2025’ in Dhaka, the adviser questioned why a country with a $400 billion economy continues to fall short in creating economic surpluses.

He underscored the importance of spending within the limits of available resources and called for sincere efforts from all sectors to build a stronger economic foundation.

Sheikh Bashiruddin mentioned that policy support alone is not enough to drive industrial progress.

Except for the garment industry, he said, no other sector has significantly benefited from policy incentives.

He stressed the importance of moving forward based on the country's own capabilities.

Reflecting on the industrial landscape before Bangladesh’s independence, the adviser said the country once hosted industries from across the globe — an opportunity that has not been fully capitalized on since independence.

Hossain Zillur Rahman, executive chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre and former adviser to the caretaker government, attended the event as the guest of honor.

Agriculture Secretary Md. Emdad Ullah Mian, former FBCCI president AK Azad, BCI president Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury, and Dhaka Chamber co-president Taskin Ahmed, also spoke.

The two-day exhibition brought together domestic and international entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts.

The event was organised by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Automobiles Assemblers and Manufacturers Association and the Agriculture Machinery Manufacturers Association, Bangladesh.

Following the ceremony, the commerce adviser visited various stalls at the fair and talked with entrepreneurs.