Proposed budget signals strong reform momentum for investment, jobs: Ctg chamber president

The proposed national budget for FY2026-27 reflects a balanced and forward-looking approach, with a strong focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability, expanding investment, boosting production and creating employment opportunities, said Mohammed Amirul Haque, president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He welcomed the government's efforts to improve the business climate through the introduction of the unified digital platform, BanglaBiz, which is expected to simplify procedures, enhance transparency and make business operations more efficient. 

The planned FDI Heat Map covering 19 potential sectors was also praised as a useful tool for attracting quality foreign investment.

Amirul Haque said the expansion of industrial infrastructure, including new export processing zones in Patuakhali and Jashore and proposed economic zones in Kurigram, Nilphamari, Chandpur and Kushtia, would help promote balanced regional development and generate employment. 

He also welcomed the proposed duty-free import facilities for export-oriented industries, saying the measure would support export diversification and strengthen global competitiveness.

Amirul described the proposed Tk60,000 crore stimulus package as a timely initiative to support private sector growth. 

Allocations for large industries, cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises, agriculture and export diversification, alongside a 6% interest subsidy, are expected to stimulate investment, production and job creation.

The chamber leader also appreciated the budget's emphasis on employment generation and skills development. 

Initiatives such as employment exchanges, training programmes and measures aimed at improving workers' welfare would help develop a more productive workforce.

He further noted that incentives for remittance inflows and labour market reforms would contribute to strengthening the country's external sector stability.

Welcoming the increased allocation for education, he said investments in vocational training, digital learning and stronger industry-academia collaboration would play a vital role in developing a skilled and competitive workforce capable of meeting future economic challenges.

"The decision to introduce a new chord line to reduce the distance between Dhaka and Chattogram railway routes is a highly significant initiative in the budget, as it will save both time and cost, improving efficiency in transport and trade. At the same time, I also consider the reduction of Advance Income Tax and the simplification of the refund process as a very positive step, which will make the tax system more efficient, business-friendly, and supportive of investment growth," he said.