DHAKA, Dec 7, 2023 (BSS) - To address the challenges of LDC graduation and

align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Bangladesh Private
Sector Working Committee (BPSWC) emphasized the imperative need for MSME
competitiveness.

The emphasis was given at its 2nd meeting held today in the capital's Gulshan
area. FBCCI President and Chairman of the BPSWC Mahbubul Alam chaired the
meeting, said a press release.

The FBCCI President said that business activity, investment and innovation
are the major drivers of productivity, inclusive economic growth and job
creation.

He said diversity of the private sector, ranging from micro enterprises to
cooperatives to multinationals is enormous.

"For this, we need to extend our strong support on "Making MSMEs Competitive
through Intellectual Property (IP) and Innovation," Mahbubul added.

He said the BPSWC may pursue on expediting grants and low-cost loans from
development partners and international donor agencies and they are committed
to support financially for meeting the trade gap of the poorest and other
countries which creates due to Covid 19 Pandemic.

"We are hopeful to get support from our UN Office in Bangladesh in this
regard. Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, emphasized the
private sector's role in inclusive sustainable development," he added.

Co-chairman of the BPSWC, Ardashir Kabir, acknowledged challenges arising
from the pandemic and global conflicts but reaffirmed the committee's
commitment to accelerating progress towards their aspirations.

Co-chairman of the BPSWC and President of BEF Ardashir Kabir said, the BPSWC
faces challenges because of the complexity and involvement of various
parties.

"I hold the belief that we can still reach our grand aspirations and advance
Bangladesh to the subsequent level of advancement," he added.

Arifur Rahman Mamun, Deputy Director (SDG Co-ordination Cell) of Prime
Minister's Office; Ben Morgan, Development Coordination Officer, UNRC;
Farzanah Chowdhury, Committee Member, BEF; Secretary General of FBCCI Md
Alamgir; Brigadier General (Retd) Abu Naeem Md Shahidullah, Advisor, FBCCI
Safety Council Advisor and BPSWC Member Secretary; Manzoor Ahmed, Trade and
Tariff Policy Advisor, FBCCI; Farooq Ahmed, Secretary General, BEF and
distinguished representatives from UN, UNICEF, UNDP, UNRC, FAO, ILO and SDG
focal point joined the meeting.

The BPSWC was established to support the country's private sector to work
together with the government of Bangladesh, the UN, as well as national and
international development organizations, for the advancement of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals.

This committee is expected to focus on issues including job creation, youth
employment, and the fostering of a decent work environment, crucial
challenges which need to be addressed in order to achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals.