Commerce Minister outlines country's export, investment roadmap at BRI Summit

Bangladesh is prioritising export diversification, productive-sector investment and sustainable partnerships to navigate global headwinds ranging from geopolitical instability to supply chain disruptions and climate change, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khondaker Abdul Muktadir said Wednesday (September 9).

The minister made the remarks at a policy dialogue during the 11th Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit in Hong Kong, where he joined a panel discussion titled "Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape."

Economic resilience for developing nations goes beyond weathering crises, Muktadir told the gathering, stressing the need to build capacity that adapts to global shifts while generating employment and new economic opportunities.

Outlining Bangladesh's preparations for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, the minister said the country is shifting toward growth driven by productivity, innovation and competitiveness. He identified diversifying export products, upgrading connectivity infrastructure, attracting production-oriented investment and transitioning to a green economy as key priorities in that push.

Beyond ready-made garments, Bangladesh is working to integrate pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, agro-processing, light engineering, information technology and man-made fibre into global value chains, Muktadir said.

He added that Bangladesh welcomes investment capable of transferring technology, building skills and linking local industry to international supply chains, noting significant partnership opportunities in economic zones, logistics and renewable energy under the BRI framework.

The minister also underscored the importance of expanding digital trade, cross-border e-commerce and digital payment systems to connect small and medium enterprises, women entrepreneurs and local businesses to global markets. Calling for trade and investment frameworks to become more climate-resilient, he said low-carbon production, sustainable logistics and green infrastructure would form the foundation of the future economy.

On bilateral ties, Muktadir said the Bangladesh-China relationship has been elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership," pointing to 17 key agreements signed recently. Projects under implementation include the modernisation of Mongla Port and the establishment of a Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram. He said Invest Bangladesh has taken an initiative to open its first overseas investment office in China to strengthen investment ties.

Describing Hong Kong as a vital bridge between mainland China and global markets, the minister said Bangladesh aims to leverage this position to further strengthen its regional and global trade connectivity.