Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh could raise export earnings from $50–55 billion to $150 billion through planning, policy support and skill development. Speaking at a CIRDAP auditorium event in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said, "This goal is not difficult to achieve if a few potential sectors can be taken forward through specific planning, policy support, research and skilled human resource development."
He noted Bangladesh had met LDC graduation conditions but would face global competition after transition. He added, "Although the main idea of the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project is timely, delay in implementation is one of the biggest weaknesses."
He stressed skills, innovation, technology adoption and faster project delivery. He highlighted value-added jute products and said cooperation with China was planned for research and innovation.
The workshop featured RAPID Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzak, Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan, EC4J Project Director Sheikh Mohammad Abdur Rahman, and World Bank official Hosna Ferdous Sumi.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
