DHAKA, Nov 21, 2021 (BSS) - The Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and 
Industry (FICCI) today said that the three growth drivers -- agribusiness, 
digital economy and green finance -- can open up investment opportunities to 
move forward Bangladesh's economy.

   This was highlighted in a research by FICCI unveiled today at an event 
held at a hotel in the capital.

   FICCI organized the event titled "Accelerating Bangladesh" where 
ministers, advisors, government officials, policy makers, diplomats, business 
leaders, its members and other stakeholders joined together to explore the 
roadmap of the economic progress of the country. 

   Planning Minister MA Mannan spoke at the function as the chief guest while 
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman 
joined as special guest.

   Shwapna Bhowmick, EC Member of FICCI and Country Manager of Marks and 
Spencer was the Program Chair for the event. Rupali Haque Chowdhury, FICCI 
President and Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh; FICCI Vice 
President and Managing Director of Singer Bangladesh - MHM Fairoz, EC member 
of FICCI and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank - Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Executive 
Director of FICCI - TIM Nurul Kabir were present, among others.

   The Planning Minister said this roadmap presentation and the three growth 
drivers would be a good reference in the development planning and would bring 
in FDI to help the economy flourish in all sectors.

   "We need to keep this in mind that these driving sectors will be the key 
agents of success. Besides, this initiative will also focus on a host of 
small yet strategically important sectors. Supporting their competitiveness 
through sharing global best practices and exploring policy opportunities in 
Bangladesh will be the key to unlocking the potential across the economy." 

   Prime Minister's Adviser Salman said, "I am happy that FICCI has done a 
terrific job along with the help of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh and has 
come up with this research book with appropriate measures."

   He said each of these sectors has a high potential for meeting the 
country's economic goals, such as creating employment for a large number of 
young and skilled people, increasing export earnings, making significant 
impact on small and medium enterprises, unlocking potential for long-term 
sustained growth, and exploring new investment opportunities. 

   FICCI President Rupali Chowdhury said that FICCI is here to extend full 
support to the government in promoting FDI. "We've been providing national 
budget proposals to the government regularly not only to improve its revenue 
collection, but also to make a business-friendly atmosphere for doing 
business in Bangladesh,"

   She said they are in touch with foreign investors to interact with each 
other and help build confidence among the existing investors on the 
seriousness of the government to effectively implement policies and 
commitments.

   The inaugural session was on "Changing the landscape" followed by 
"Branding Bangladesh" where Md Sirazul Islam, BIDA Chairman, Yasir Azman, CEO 
of Grameenphone Ltd., Shehzad Munim, CEO of British American Tobacco were 
among the discussants and highlighted the key aspects to generate more FDI 
and ways to achieve the goal of a developed country.

   The FICCI's research report was unveiled on "Growth Drivers of Bangladesh: 
Accelerating Investment Opportunities in Agribusiness, Digital Economy, and 
Green Finance" which is prepared by Policy Exchange of Bangladesh. 

   The research report on three growth drivers was revealed by FICCI 
President Rupali Haque Chowdhury, N Rajashekaran, Country Officer - Citibank 
NA, and Dr M Masrur Reaz, Founder & Chairman of Policy Exchange of 
Bangladesh. 

   According to the research report, Bangladesh's resiliency and prosperity 
can be attributed to a number of causes, including increased private sector 
involvement, remittances, economic liberalization, and trade integration. 

   This report focuses on agribusiness, digital economy, and green financing 
for climate-smart investments to understand what is best to unleash their 
global and domestic competitiveness, taking into account global trends, 
Bangladesh's diversification needs and national priorities. Moreover, 
fundamental strength of the country's private sector.

  FICCI has plans to continue the momentum of the three growth drivers to 
bring in more FDI and to have more engagement with the government.

   Both the event and the research report commensurate on the 50th year of 
Independence of Bangladesh and the birth centenary of the Father of the 
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.