Bangladesh seeks UNIDO support for sustainable industrial development

Bangladesh has sought “greater engagement” of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization or UNIDO for finding the ‘right technology’ to achieve sustainable industrial development.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 Sept 2017, 05:36 PM
Updated : 6 Sept 2017, 05:36 PM

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali solicited the support when visiting UNIDO Director General Li Yong met him at his office on Wednesday.

According to the foreign ministry, the director general stated that UNIDO would continue to provide required support to Bangladesh in the achievement of sustainable industrial development and inclusive growth.

A former Chinese public servant, Yong will assume his second term in November 2017.

He appreciated Bangladesh’s role in the UNIDO and its strong support to the organisation’s policies and strategies.

Ali appreciated UNIDO’s role in the sustainable industrial development of its member states, particularly for the LDCs.

He sought more support of UNIDO for the enhancement of Bangladesh’s industrial productivity, with quality improvements to ensure export competitiveness in different sectors.

Bangladesh’s inclusion in the UNIDO’s Partnership Country Programme (PCP) from the Asia-Pacific region was also discussed during the meeting.

The director general emphasised that to be included in the PCP country list, “strong government commitment engaging all line ministries having direct linkages to industrialization would be important”.

Yong underscored the need for support to develop the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh.

He expressed optimism that the cooperation between Bangladesh and UNIDO would grow further through effective partnership in the coming days.