Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status is a chance to build a new kind of competitiveness, one based on value, skills, quality and fairness.
“This platform connects government, private sector and partners to shape the next chapter of our economic development, matching growth with dignity and sustainability,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a programme.
The Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Resilient Supply Chains for Sustainable Trade and Investments Platform at the BIDA auditorium.
The platform aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s trade and investment ecosystem, ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth as the country prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said, "Let’s set a clear roadmap and hold ourselves accountable, so by the end of 2026, we know exactly where we stand. This platform is about real progress, not just conversation."
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation; they are advancing regulatory reforms and aligning the trade and investment policies with global best practices.
“Our goal is to create a stronger, more competitive environment for both domestic and cross-border investment, ensuring sustainable growth and decent work for all,” he said.
Country Director, ILO Bangladesh Max Tuñón said supply chains are ultimately about people, the workers and entrepreneurs who drive Bangladesh’s economy forward. “This platform is our opportunity to build joint solutions that put dignity and opportunity at the centre, making a real difference in everyday lives as Bangladesh transitions beyond LDC status."
Resident Representative UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller said they are now poised to formally launch a platform for pooling their efforts to make the future growth of Bangladesh greener and more inclusive. “This platform will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge sharing. It will help in aligning investments, production and trade to environmental sustainability and social safeguards."
Both UN agencies emphasised their appreciation for the close partnership with BIDA and the Ministry of Commerce, and called for more actors, including other UN agencies to join the platform network.
The UN agencies acknowledged the major support received from the country's development partners, including Team Europe and Global Affairs Canada.
The platform will act as a hub for policy dialogue, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, driving policy coherence, supply chain development, and public-private partnerships.
This initiative supports Bangladesh’s LDC graduation by promoting international labour standards, inclusive growth and decent work.