Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Saturday said the government is committed to carrying out deep structural reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, asserting that Bangladesh has the political will and strategic direction to emerge as the most competitive investment destination in South Asia.
“Our government possesses the political will, the strategic vision, and the unwavering commitment to make Bangladesh the most competitive investment destination in South Asia,” he said, adding that the domestic business community is a key strategic partner in national development.
He made the remarks while addressing a high-level conference titled “Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy 2026: Navigating Risks, Leveraging Resilience” held at a city hotel.
He also described foreign diplomats as essential development partners, while terming business leaders as stakeholders in the country’s economic progress.
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), bringing together senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions, development partners and private sector representatives to shape Bangladesh’s future economic engagement strategy.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam also spoke at the event.
The foreign minister emphasised the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders. “We must remain in dialogue. We must get feedback from you… work with us as we rebuild trust and unlock Bangladesh’s true potential,” he said.
He noted that Bangladesh is navigating a complex global environment marked by energy constraints, trade disruptions, financial uncertainty, and rapid technological change. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has outlined a strategic roadmap built on three priorities-stabilise, reform, and elevate-to turn these challenges into opportunities.
“We need to convert his vision into concrete action as it comes to our work on economic and trade diplomacy,” he said.
He added that the country must redesign its external economic strategy amid slowing global growth, geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and evolving supply chains. The ongoing energy crisis, he said, has further intensified policy pressures.
“The growth prospects in our key markets remain positive but moderate, which may lead to subdued demand and impact our export performance,” he said.
Khalilur Rahman further observed that rising financial market volatility and higher borrowing costs are making it increasingly difficult for developing countries like Bangladesh to access affordable capital.
While advanced economies borrow at 1–4 per cent, emerging economies often face rates of 6–12 per cent or higher, he noted.
He also pointed to climate vulnerability as a growing financial burden, citing UNCTAD findings that some climate-affected countries pay an extra $20 billion in additional interest annually due to risk exposure.
He said the global energy crisis has increased import costs and reduced fiscal space for development spending, warning of long-term consequences for growth and investment.
The foreign minister added that emerging “trade tech” innovations-such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things and 5G—are transforming global commerce by enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
He said this shift presents both opportunities and challenges depending on a country’s readiness.
The conference featured three thematic sessions focusing on trade and investment policy, financing and capital mobilisation, and emerging sectors including AI, creative industries and sports.
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen coordination between policy and implementation, enhance economic diplomacy, and deepen international partnerships amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.
