President of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Amirul Haque, has welcomed the proposed national budget for FY2026-27, describing it as a balanced and forward-looking fiscal plan that prioritizes macroeconomic stability, investment expansion, industrial growth, employment generation and inclusive development.
In a budget reaction issued on Thursday, Amirul Haque said the overall direction of the proposed budget reflects the evolving needs of the country’s private sector and demonstrates the government’s commitment to sustaining economic growth amid global and domestic challenges.
He particularly praised the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business through the introduction of the unified digital platform “BanglaBiz,” which aims to streamline business services and regulatory procedures. According to him, the platform will help reduce procedural complexities, enhance transparency and improve efficiency in business operations.
The CCCI president also welcomed the proposed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Heat Map covering 19 potential sectors, saying it could serve as an effective guide for foreign investors and strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness in attracting quality investments.
Highlighting industrial expansion initiatives announced in the budget, Amirul Haque said the establishment of new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Patuakhali and Jashore, along with proposed economic zones in Kurigram, Nilphamari, Chandpur and Kushtia, would contribute significantly to balanced regional development. These projects, he noted, are expected to create substantial employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity beyond major urban centres.
He further observed that the proposed duty-free import facilities for export-oriented industries would support export diversification and enhance the competitiveness of Bangladeshi products in global markets.
The business leader also termed the proposed Tk 60,000 crore stimulus package a timely and critical measure to boost private-sector credit flow. He said the package, which includes financing support for large industries, cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSMEs), agriculture and export diversification initiatives, would help stimulate production and generate employment across various sectors. The proposed 6 percent interest subsidy would further ease financing costs for businesses, he added.
Amirul Haque also appreciated the budget’s strong emphasis on employment generation and skills development. Initiatives such as Employment Exchanges, Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (SICIP) training and measures aimed at improving worker welfare would contribute to building a more productive workforce, he said.
He noted that the government’s continued focus on remittance incentives and labour market reforms would play an important role in maintaining external sector stability and strengthening the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The CCCI president further welcomed the increased allocation for the education sector and the long-term strategy to enhance human capital through vocational training, digital learning and stronger industry-academia collaboration.
“Developing a skilled and competitive workforce is essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting higher-value investments in the future,” he said.
Concluding his reaction, Amirul Haque expressed optimism that the proposed budget’s reform-oriented measures would strengthen investor confidence, accelerate industrial growth and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across the country.
