DCCI chief stresses predictability, energy security, and sectoral support for sustainable growth

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed on Monday said that discussions on business reforms cannot reach a meaningful conclusion until Bangladesh has a predictable, mandate-backed government. Speaking at a roundtable organised by The Financial Express, he highlighted that the current key issue is energy security, noting that without it, sustainable progress is impossible.

“Over the past 20 years, we have made significant development, but there were some missteps along the way. That’s a learning for us,” he said. “Without predictability and consistency, smooth progress cannot be achieved.”

Mr Taskeen stressed that before seeking foreign investment, policymakers should consult local businesses, which currently contribute 98 per cent of GDP, while foreign investment remains less than one per cent. He added, “No matter what is said, any foreign investor considering investment into the country will first ask the domestic private sector about the actual situation. How long can we keep giving false assurances? We all need to work together to overcome these obstacles.”

He called for a focus on ease of doing business as part of long-term planning and noted that the private sector would not benefit from LDC graduation unless adequate support and coordination are provided.

The DCCI president also urged the government to extend support beyond the garment sector. “Over the past 40 years, the government has given extensive support to the garment industry. Now, a quarter of that support should be extended to at least 8 to 10 other sectors,” he said.

Mr Taskeen cited Walton’s growth over the past decade as an example and urged similar support for pharmaceuticals, light engineering, leather, and other key sectors to drive the country forward. “For this, we need a coordinated effort,” he added.

Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, attended the discussion as the chief guest, while Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary at the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), joined as special guests.

The session was chaired by Shamsul Huq Zahid, Editor and CEO of The Financial Express, and moderated by Shiabur Rahman Shihab, Head of Online and Digital Content at FE.