Speakers at a Friday event emphasized the critical importance of green industrialization in Bangladesh for sustainable development and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). They highlighted the fact that foreign buyers prefer green industries, and international investors are seeking opportunities in sectors with a strong green industrial environment. Additionally, they pointed out that Bangladesh is facing significant policy gaps in promoting green growth, despite its potential to drive economic transformation, create employment, and improve resource efficiency nationwide.
The program, titled “More and Better Jobs for a Prosperous Bangladesh: Opportunities through Green Growth,” was held at a city hotel and organized by Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) with support from the International Growth Centre (IGC), an economic research center at the London School of Economics. In his keynote address, Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman of PEB, outlined pathways to green growth and its ability to stimulate job creation while promoting sustainable economic practices.
The guest of honor, Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export) at the Ministry of Commerce, stressed the need to align green growth initiatives with Bangladesh’s broader development goals. He identified key obstacles to this transition, such as limited access to advanced technologies and financing options.
A distinguished panel of experts shared their insights on implementing green growth strategies, including Dr. Atonu Rabbani, Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka; Naureen Chowdhury, Head of Labor Rights Program at Laudes Foundation; Prof. AK Enamul Haque, Environmental Economist and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University Bangladesh; and Md Ariful Hoque, Director General (Joint Secretary) of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The discussion was moderated by Shahid Vaziralli, Head of Research Programs at IGC. Refayetullah Mridha, President of the Economic Reporters’ Forum, and Ferdaus Ara, CEO of Business Initiative Leading Development, also participated in the event.
The speakers highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to green growth, incorporating advanced technologies, financing options, and alignment with broader development goals. They also emphasized the potential for green growth to drive economic transformation, create employment, and improve resource efficiency in Bangladesh. The event provided valuable insights and recommendations for promoting green industrialization in the country, which is crucial for sustainable development and attracting foreign investment.