The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Monday launched a new report urging accelerated and coordinated investment reforms to strengthen Bangladesh’s growth prospects in the post–Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation era.
The high-level dialogue brought together senior government officials, private sector representatives and development partners to discuss Bangladesh’s investment framework as the country prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Speaking at the event, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun underscored, “As the country prepares for LDC graduation and works toward Vision 2041, attracting sustainable and quality investment will be central to economic transformation, diversification, technology transfer, and employment generation.” He has stressed the importance of coordinated reforms and effective institutions in attracting investment aligned with national priorities.
The official launch featured a video message from Nan Li Collins, Director of Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, followed by a keynote presentation by Kiyoshi Adachi, Legal Officer (Investment and Enterprise) at UNCTAD.
A high-level panel discussion, moderated by UNDP Bangladesh Country Economic Advisor Owais Parray, explored practical pathways for implementing the report’s recommendations.
Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman Dr M Masrur Reaz, Former Director General, BIDA Md Ariful Hoque, CEO of BUILD Ferdaus Ara Begum, Trade Policy & Facilitation Expert Md Hafizur Rahman also spoke at the event with Executive Member of BIDA Md Humayun Kabir in the chair.
The dialogue was convened under the Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP), implemented by UNDP Bangladesh with support from the UK Government. Through TEPP, UNDP provides policy advisory and capacity development support to strengthen economic governance and facilitate evidence-informed reforms. The launch marks a critical step in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to attract quality investment that contributes to sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.
