Positive economic transformation possible in 5 years with collective efforts: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that with joint efforts from the government and the business community, a positive transformation in the country's economy is possible within the next four to five years.

He made the remarks at an exchange meeting with private entrepreneurs at his Tejgaon office on Saturday afternoon. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organised the meeting.

The Prime Minister said, "Our goal is to work for the country and its people. There are problems in some areas, but if we work together, we can overcome them."

He noted that both the government and the business community are equally aware of the existing challenges in the economy. The government is working sincerely to address these issues, and discussions between the government and businesses will continue.

"We all acknowledge that there are many problems. The government has certainly been able to prove that we are trying. The government is not yet six months old. We have met several times — first with you, and later with the forum. We are working on sector-specific issues," he said.

Referring to the previous meeting, he noted that many of the issues raised by the business community had already been resolved. "New problems have also come up in this meeting, and we will work on those as well," he added.

The Prime Minister said the government would sit with business leaders again within the next two to three months. "The more we can sit together, the more we can learn about your problems and solve them," he said.

He noted that solutions emerge through dialogue, and such discussions, if sustained, could bring positive change to the economy within four to five years.

The meeting discussed business expansion, foreign investment growth and the environment for new industrialisation. Entrepreneurs called for easier access to credit, policy support and a business-friendly environment. They also expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing initiatives.

It was informed during the meeting that out of 28 issues discussed in the previous meeting, decisions had been made on 21 matters, with the remaining seven still under process.

The meeting also outlined a roadmap to increase the country's export earnings to $100 billion by 2030, and the government assured necessary diplomatic support to achieve this goal.

The meeting was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury; Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed; Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku; Commerce, Industry, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir; Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam; Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir; BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury; Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman; senior government officials and representatives of various industry groups.