The special economic zones are changing the industrial landscape of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Paban Chowdhury has said.

He said they are building  a separate SME zone at Bangabandhu Shilpanagar in Mirsarai to raise the contribution of the SMEs to the GDP.

Paban Chowdhury was addressing as the chief guest at a webinar titled ‘Enabling Investment Climate to Realize Great Potential’ held recently.

Citi, in partnership with Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI)  Bangladesh Center of Excellence (BCE), organised the webinar.

The discussion focused on the diversification of investment, readiness of economic zones to facilitate such diversification of investments, and potential sectors for investment.

The session was chaired by CCCI President Mahbubul Alam and moderated by N. Rajashekaran (Shekar), Citi Country Officer and Managing Director, Citibank, N.A. Bangladesh, said a media release on Monday.

Also read: Bangladesh to see more economic zones: Salman Rahman

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman & CEO, Pran-RFL Group, Aameir Alihussain, Managing Director, BSRM Group of Companies and Miran Ali, Managing Director, Bitopi Group were among the distinguished panelists at the virtual discussion.

Mahbubul Alam praised the efforts of the government in developing economic zones across the country and emphasized especially on the importance of guiding the investors in choosing the appropriate sector for investment so that investment doesn’t get concentrated in limited number of sectors.

He said investors need to be guided on finding the right sector for investment which should be a part of a comprehensive investment diversification strategy.

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury called upon investors and businessman to cash in on the tremendous potential of business growth in Bangladesh backed by the facilitations of the government.

He said Bangladesh will continue to grow to change the lives of millions. "If you have the right spirit, passion and desire to grow, others will follow. If the country grows, businesses will automatically flourish.”

Aameir Alihussain sighted capacity and skills development and access to finance for SMEs as the stimulating factor for the next level growth of Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh has a great potential in future for further foreign investment and grasping on that will bring positive results for the economy," he said.

Miran Ali said Bangladesh holds the second position in terms of RMG production and can easily double the production in next few years through diversified investment specially focusing on manmade fibers instead of traditional cotton products and the country needs to brand itself globally to attract both FDI and export buyers.

He said Bangladesh is the future destination for FDI and we need an international campaign to sell our potential.

Rajashekaran praised the uniqueness of the Bangladeshi market and the inclusive culture of the Bangladeshi people and discussed the potential of SMEs and diversified investment opportunities.

“Bangladesh is a nation which has tremendously grown even during the global pandemic, reflecting on the tremendous work ethic of the people and a growing consumer market with countless possibilities. We approach tomorrow with more energy and passion to further inspire investment in Bangladesh," he said.

The webinar also had The Financial Express as its media partner.