Govt-Business Collaboration Can Bring Positive Economic Change in 4-5 Years: PM

Online Desk : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that closer collaboration between the government and the business community could bring positive changes to Bangladesh’s economy within the next four to five years, stressing the importance of continued dialogue to overcome existing challenges.

“If the government and the business community work together, it will be possible to bring positive changes to the country’s economy within the next four to five years,” the Prime Minister said.

He made the remarks following a four-hour views exchange meeting with private sector entrepreneurs at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said. The meeting was organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). During the discussion, the Prime Minister said, “Our goal is to work for the country and its people. There are challenges in some areas, but if we work together, we can overcome them.” He said both the government and the business community are aware of the current economic challenges, adding, “We are sincerely working to resolve the issues, and discussions between the government and the business community will continue.”

“We all acknowledge that there are many problems. I believe the government has at least been able to demonstrate that we are making sincere efforts,” the Prime Minister said.

“The government has not yet completed six months in office. During this period, we have met several times. Our first meeting was with you, and later we held discussions with the forum. We are working on sector-specific problems,” he added.

Referring to an earlier meeting with business leaders, the Prime Minister said many of the issues raised previously had already been resolved. He added that several new issues were discussed at Saturday’s meeting and assured that the government would also work to address those. He announced that another meeting with business leaders would be held within the next two to three months.

“The more frequently we meet, the better we will understand your problems and the more effectively we will be able to solve them,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of regular dialogue, the Prime Minister said effective solutions emerge through open and sustained discussions over time.

“If this process continues, we will be able to bring about positive changes in the country’s economy within the next four to five years,” he said.

Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said the meeting included detailed discussions on expanding businesses, attracting more foreign investment and creating a favourable environment for new industrialisation. Business leaders sought easier access to credit, stronger policy support and assurance of a business-friendly environment. According to Shiplu, they also appreciated various government initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing measures. The meeting was informed that decisions had already been taken on 21 of the 28 issues discussed during the previous meeting after review, while work on the remaining seven issues is still in progress.

Business leaders also presented a roadmap to increase Bangladesh’s export earnings to USD 100 billion by 2030. The government assured them of providing the necessary diplomatic support to help expand exports. Among those present at the meeting were Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, senior government officials and representatives of various industrial groups.