Long-term plan needed for post-LDC challenges

Bangladesh has to explore and formulate a long-term plan to overcome possible difficulties and trade challenges past the United Nations status graduation from a least developed to a developing country, said experts at a discussion. 

The event, styled "Overcoming Least Developed Countries (LDC) Graduation Challenge of Bangladesh", was organised by British Business Group (BBG) at the residence of the British high commissioner to Bangladesh recently, said HSBC in a press release.

Robert Chatterton Dickson, British high commissioner to Bangladesh, highlighted the United Kingdom's newly launched Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

"A better business environment for international companies, including newcomers to the market, is key to encouraging more British firms to export and invest in Bangladesh", he said.

Ahmad Kaikaus, principal secretary to the prime minister and chairperson of the National Committee on Graduation, shared the post-graduation opportunities.

Md Mahbub ur Rahman, chair of the BBG and chief executive officer of HSBC Bangladesh, spoke on trade and investment, mentioning that the United Kingdom remained the second largest foreign investor and third largest export destination for Bangladesh.

He said, "The relationship between the two countries goes beyond business and comprises development partnership, strong diaspora and education."

Beneficiary members of the BBG, who represent prominent British businesses in Bangladesh, attended the event.