Bangladesh’s apex trade body has asked chambers and industry associations to provide sector-specific data and recommendations as it begins work to identify new export markets, address policy constraints and strengthen competitiveness ahead of the country’s graduation from least developed country status.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) made the call at the first meeting of its Export Research Cell in Dhaka on Wednesday, bringing together businesses, regulators and trade bodies to develop research and action plans for export diversification.
The cell was formed after the government directed chambers and associations to establish export research units to diversify exports, strengthen promising industries and identify support needed to improve their competitiveness.
FBCCI Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque, who chaired the meeting, urged member chambers and associations to provide objective information and recommendations from their respective sectors to support the initiative.
The cell will focus on market analysis, policy advocacy and coordination with chambers and sector associations, using industry input to develop research and practical action plans.
FBCCI Secretary General Md Alamgir presented a report outlining the cell’s activities before business representatives discussed sector-specific concerns and recommendations.
Representatives from Bangladesh Bank, the Export Promotion Bureau and the Ministry of Commerce took part in the meeting, along with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Former FBCCI directors and representatives from the Chandpur Women Chamber, cold storage industry, frozen-food exporters, aluminium manufacturers, light-engineering sector and small and medium enterprises also joined in person or virtually.
