Five must-dos decided for economic breakthrough

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus asks for a jumpstart of coordinated action from all relevant agencies to ensure Bangladesh's timely smooth sailing in graduation from least-developed country (LDC) status as a national panel decides on five must-dos for economic breakthroughs.

First comes full operationalisation of the National Single Window with participation from all relevant agencies for quick delivery on economic and investment processes.

A second priority is implementation of the National Tariff Policy 2023 through a clear action plan.

Third, stress is on execution of key measures under the National Logistics Policy 2024, including infrastructure projects.

In the fourth place is operational readiness of the effluent-treatment plant (ETP) at Savar Tannery Village for dealing with trade affairs in the potential sector on an effective and faster pace.

The last of the pivotal tasks is full-scale operation of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Park in Gajaria, Munshiganj, to prepare for trade in the era sans duty protection now enjoyed as by Bangladesh as one of the world's poor-country club.

"These aren't just routine tasks -- we need to see them as key steps, each one helps clear the way for our graduation and builds a stronger, fairer economy for everyone," the head of interim government told the panel of experts Sunday.

He gave the directions during a high-level meeting with the LDC Graduation Committee held at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where progress on key deliverables was reviewed, as the graduation cutoff time is close by. 

"This whole thing is about coordination," said the Chief Adviser. "We already have the attention and support of investors, funders, and development partners. Now, we must build on the efforts already underway and intensify our collective action to move forward with speed and purpose," he said.

Emphasising the importance of institutional readiness, Chief Adviser Professor Yunus called on all stakeholders to move in unison on a war footing.

"We need a team that functions like firefighters. When the whistle blows, they must respond -- fast, efficiently, and without delay and stay at the problem until it is solved."

He assured that the Chief Adviser's Office would take an active role in overseeing the process. "The highest office of the government will personally monitor the implementation of all graduation-related initiatives," he added.

During the meeting, the LDC Graduation Committee presented the five priority actions that must be completed on an urgent basis.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com