Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin stated that Bangladesh’s exports will not decline even if India discontinues transshipment facilities. He emphasized that the country is working to minimize costs by maximizing its internal capabilities, which will further reduce export expenses for local businesses.
He added that the government is taking all necessary initiatives to simplify the business environment and attract foreign investment. Among these steps is the introduction of the National Single Window, along with several other reforms. The Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments are open to discussions with businesses to address any issues, ensuring that solutions are found promptly. Additionally, the Trade Advisor stressed the importance of reducing reliance on a single export product.
Sheikh Bashir Uddin made these remarks during the opening ceremony of a two-day exhibition titled “Meet Bangladesh Exposition.” The event was inaugurated on Thursday. During the ceremony, EC4J Project Director Abdur Rahim Khan gave the welcome address. Other notable attendees included Suhail Qasim, Acting Country Head of the World Bank’s Dhaka office; Hosna Ferdous, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the same office; Sultan M. Albishi, CEO of Al Nukbah Group (Dubai and UAE); and Shamim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).
The Trade Advisor further said that export diversification is now a necessity. Relying solely on a few products is not sustainable. To remain competitive in the global market, innovation is crucial, as is the exploration of new markets.
Suhail Qasim from the World Bank highlighted that export diversification supports growth in exports and employment. He noted that once Bangladesh graduates from the LDC (Least Developed Country) status, foreign aid will decrease. Therefore, the country must strengthen its small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and focus more on improving competitiveness and technological capabilities.
The international exhibition, held at the ICCB in Dhaka, aims to showcase Bangladesh’s promising export sectors, including leather, footwear, MPPE (Medical Personal Protective Equipment), plastics, and light engineering. Over 120 Bangladeshi companies are participating, displaying export-quality products. Buyers and sourcing agents from over nine countries—including Singapore, Libya, Colombia, Algeria, the UAE, India, Bhutan, Maldives, and Malaysia—are attending the event.
BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said that although the ready-made garment (RMG) sector dominates the country’s exports, attention must also be given to other products. SMEs contribute about 30% to the national GDP.
He also emphasized the potential of the plastic industry, which is currently growing at a rate of 20%. He called for greater focus and investment in this sector.
The exhibition includes participation from over 1,000 local buyers and more than 120 Bangladeshi manufacturers. International sourcing agents and buyers are also scheduled to visit various industrial facilities across the country.
