New economic diplomacy platform aims to steer Bangladesh's post-LDC strategy
Govt seeks to reassure investors and development partners that Bangladesh remains a competitive and resilient destination for trade and investment
As Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, the government is launching a new economic diplomacy platform aimed at translating its trade, investment and financing priorities into concrete partnerships with foreign governments, development agencies and investors.
The platform will be launched through a conference titled "Roadmap for Trade, Growth & Economic Diplomacy: Navigating Risks – Leveraging Resilience," scheduled to be held in Dhaka tomorrow (13 June). Jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' International Trade, Investment and Technology Wing and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), it is intended to serve as a working platform rather than a conventional policy summit.
Officials say the event will define Bangladesh's immediate economic priorities for 2026 and convert them into bilateral cooperation and funding proposals while identifying new areas of diversification to strengthen the economy beyond traditional export sectors.
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Bangladesh is approaching a significant transition in its economic history. Graduation from LDC status will gradually end the preferential market access and concessional financing that have supported decades of export-led growth. At the same time, rising geopolitical tensions, shifting global supply chains, selective capital flows and rapid technological change are reshaping the international economic landscape.
Against this backdrop, the government aims to use the conference to reassure investors and development partners that Bangladesh remains a competitive and resilient destination for trade and investment.
Director General of the International Trade, Investment and Technology Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Syed Muntasir Mamun, told TBS that the conference is intended to send a clear message that Bangladesh is "ready for business, confident and resilient" despite global uncertainty.
He said the event is envisioned as the beginning of a continuous policy dialogue rather than a one-off conference. Monthly thematic roundtables and seminars are planned to sustain discussions and monitor implementation of recommendations.
According to officials, the conference will focus on three priorities: strengthening market access and investor confidence, mobilising capital amid global uncertainty, and promoting diversified growth engines to build long-term resilience.
The discussions will be organised around three thematic sessions. The first, "The Policy Compass – Advancing Trade & Investment," will address market access, export competitiveness and LDC transition preparedness.
The second, "Capital for Growth – Finance, Commerce and Trade," will examine concessional, commercial and private financing, along with capital market development. The third, "The New Stage – Government Policy, AI, Creative Industries and Sport," will explore emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, creative industries and sports as potential drivers of future growth.
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the conference seeks to consolidate the government's recent reforms and investment initiatives into a unified framework that clearly communicates Bangladesh's economic vision to domestic and international stakeholders.
"We want to share our vision for Bangladesh's future, its growth trajectory, trade and investment opportunities and economic transformation plan with all stakeholders while incorporating their feedback into the policy and implementation process," he told TBS.
