Staff Correspondent: A new action plan is being adopted to enhance Bangladesh’s trade capacity, improve the investment climate, and boost competitiveness in international markets as the country prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Initiatives to achieve these goals are being undertaken through the implementation of the Country Programme Document (CPD), prepared for the third phase of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Speaking as the chief guest at the validation workshop for the Country Programme Document—held on Sunday, July 19, at the Ministry of Commerce conference room—Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan stated that Bangladesh’s economy is currently passing through a critical juncture. The country faces the dual challenge of preparing for LDC graduation while simultaneously addressing issues such as non-tariff barriers in the export sector, international compliance requirements, and the need to improve the investment climate.

He said, “The recommendations provided to Bangladesh by various development partner agencies to boost trade, commerce, and investment have been accorded due importance in the Country Program Document. It incorporates 12 initiatives, each aligned with enhancing Bangladesh’s trade capacity and implementing necessary reforms.”

The Commerce Secretary stated that merely formulating policies or research reports is not enough; successful implementation is the key. He said, “Alongside the studies, there must be clear directives on how to effectively implement the reforms. The benefits of these reforms must reach the grassroots levels of the ministry, directorates, and relevant agencies.”

He further stated that emphasis is being placed on improving the business environment in Bangladesh through trade facilitation, liberalization, relevant laws and regulations, and coordinated efforts across various ministries.

Speaking at the workshop, Khadija Nazneen, Additional Secretary (WTO) of the Ministry of Commerce, stated that the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) program assists Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in enhancing their trade capacity. Several development partners—including the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Sweden—provide funding for this program.

He stated that Bangladesh has already implemented activities under the EIF across two phases. The first phase began in 2009 and concluded in 2015. The second phase started in 2016 and ended in 2024. Now, activities for the third phase are set to begin.

He said, “Bangladesh will receive financial assistance based on the Country Programme Document prepared for the third phase. This five-year programme is likely to commence this year.”

Md. Hafizur Rahman, former Additional Secretary and EIF consultant, stated that Bangladesh’s existing policies, strategies, and recommendations from previous studies were taken into account while formulating the Country Program Document. Priorities were determined based, in particular, on the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS), export policy, industrial policy, trade policy, the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and initiatives related to investment incentives.

He said, “Initially, around 52 projects were identified. Subsequently, considering the potential support from development partners and implementation capacity, these have been narrowed down to 12 activities on a priority basis.”

He stated that these activities prioritize enhancing export capacity, trade facilitation, improving the investment climate, building institutional capacity, and conducting training and research, alongside the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Md. Hafizur Rahman stated, “This Country Programme Document will be treated as a ‘living document.’ It can be revised and updated periodically as needed to ensure it remains aligned with changing economic conditions.” He further added that following its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Bangladesh might lose certain special benefits it currently receives from development partners. Therefore, taking effective measures to enhance trade capacity during this period is crucial.

Representatives from various ministries, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders attended the workshop, alongside Ayesha Akter, Additional Secretary (FTA), and Shibir Bichitra Barua, Additional Secretary (IIT) of the Ministry of Commerce. Participants expressed optimism that the implementation of this third phase of the EIF program would enable Bangladesh to maintain its competitiveness in international trade and attract new investments, even after graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status.