Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir participated as a panel discussant at a policy dialogue of the 11th Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit in Hong Kong. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, Sept 9, 2026 (BSS) — Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today stressed export diversification, investment in productive sectors and stronger sustainable partnerships to address global challenges, including geopolitical instability, supply-chain disruptions and climate change.

The minister made the remarks while participating as a panel discussant at a policy dialogue of the 11th Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit in Hong Kong, said a press release here.

Speaking at the session titled “Building Resilient Trade and Investment Frameworks in a Diverse Global Landscape,” he said developing countries like Bangladesh need to build economic systems capable not only of withstanding crises but also of adapting to global changes while creating jobs and new opportunities.

Referring to Bangladesh’s preparations for LDC graduation, the minister said the country is moving towards growth driven by productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

He said Bangladesh is placing particular emphasis on four areas — export diversification, improvement of connectivity infrastructure, attraction of productive investment and green economic transformation.

Alongside readymade garments, Bangladesh is working to integrate pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, agro-processing, light engineering, information technology and man-made fibre sectors into global value chains, he said.

The minister said Bangladesh welcomes investment that facilitates technology transfer, skills development and the integration of local industries into international supply chains.

He said there are significant opportunities under the BRI framework for partnerships in economic zones, logistics and renewable energy.

He also stressed expanding digital trade, cross-border e-commerce and digital payment systems to connect small and medium enterprises, women entrepreneurs and local businesses with global markets.

Calling for environmentally sustainable trade and investment frameworks to address climate change, Muktadir said low-carbon production, sustainable logistics and green infrastructure would form the foundation of the future economy.

On Bangladesh-China relations, the minister said ties between the two countries have been elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” 

He said 17 important agreements have been signed recently, covering various areas, including the modernisation of Mongla Port and the establishment of a Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram.

He also said Invest Bangladesh has taken an initiative to establish its first overseas investment office in China to further strengthen investment ties between the two countries.

Describing Hong Kong as one of Bangladesh’s important commercial gateways, Muktadir said Bangladesh should leverage Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between mainland China and global markets.

“Not isolation, but mutual cooperation, sustainable development and an open trading system can make the future global economy stronger,” he said.