The government has formed a 16-member high-level committee to explore measures for boosting the export competitiveness of four promising sectors.

These are leather and leather goods, jute products, agricultural and agri-processed goods, and pharmaceuticals.

The committee, headed by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Office, was formed in light of Bangladesh’s impending graduation from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on November 24, 2026, after which export subsidies and cash incentives will no longer be permissible under WTO rules.

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A notification issued by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday said the committee has been tasked with reviewing possible policy interventions to help these sectors maintain competitiveness in the post-LDC era.

The committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include preparing a time-bound action plan, identifying the types of support that can be offered, and making recommendations based on the government’s fiscal and institutional capacity.

It will submit a report with detailed recommendations after reviewing the current situation and may co-opt additional members as needed.

Other members of the committee include the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Secretaries of Finance, Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Industries, Agriculture, Textiles and Jute ministies, and Health Services Division, along with the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Director General of BSTI, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Director General of DGDA, Chairman of BSCIC, and the President of FBCCI.

The Director General of the Chief Adviser’s Office will serve as member secretary.