Bangladesh has launched a new multilateral platform aimed at strengthening its supply chains and boosting sustainable, inclusive economic growth as the country prepares to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category next year.
The Resilient Supply Chains for Sustainable Trade and Investments Platform—jointly initiated by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ministry of Commerce, ILO and UNDP—was unveiled today at BIDA’s Dhaka office.
Designed as a central hub for policy dialogue, capacity building and knowledge sharing, the platform will focus on improving supply chain development, reinforcing policy coherence and deepening public–private partnerships. BIDA says the initiative will help Bangladesh align with international labour standards and ensure decent work as part of its transition out of LDC status.
Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy on international affairs to the chief adviser, said LDC graduation offers an opportunity to build “a new kind of competitiveness” based on skills, quality and fairness, urging collaboration across government, industry and development partners.
BIDA’s Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun emphasised the need for a clear roadmap and strong accountability mechanisms so that progress is measurable by the end of 2026.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman highlighted ongoing regulatory reforms and policy updates to meet global standards ahead of the scheduled LDC exit in November 2026, aiming to create a more competitive environment for domestic and foreign investment.
ILO Country Director Max Tuñón noted that supply chains ultimately rely on workers and entrepreneurs, while UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said the platform would serve as a collaborative hub aligning production and investment with environmental and social safeguards.
