Home
+
Published : 13 Jun 2026, 02:36 PM
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has pitched Bangladesh as a “stable, predictable and open destination” for international partners despite mounting global economic pressures.
He outlined the BNP government's strategy to deepen economic diplomacy and strengthen investment ties as part of its broader growth agenda.
Khalilur was speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of the Trade Growth and Economic Diplomacy Conference 2026 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
The minister said Bangladesh faces the challenge of recalibrating its international economic engagement amid “slowing global trade growth, geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, climate risks, rising trade barriers and structural shifts in supply chains”.
The ongoing energy crisis, he added, is making the situation “more complex”.
Addressing ambassadors and high commissioners attending the event, Khalilur said Bangladesh's foreign policy would continue to be rooted in friendship and partnership.
He said Bangladesh values its international relationships and views bilateral and multilateral ties through the lens of mutual growth and shared prosperity.
He added that the country remains committed to playing “a reliable, neutral and constructive role on the global stage”.
The minister said Bangladesh's embassies and high commissions around the world are being reoriented to serve as active facilitators of trade and investment.
Turning to the business community, he described entrepreneurs as the driving force behind the country's economic progress.
He said the government is committed to implementing deep structural reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and sees the private sector as a strategic partner rather than merely a source of tax revenue.
Khalilur said the Tarique Rahman government has received a highly positive response from different quarters during its first 100 days in office.
He also outlined five major challenges confronting the global economy.
The first is slower growth in key markets, which could weaken consumer demand and affect exports, requiring stronger competitiveness to maintain market share.
The second challenge is access to finance. He said developed economies are borrowing at interest rates of 1-4 percent, while emerging economies often face rates between 6 and 12 percent or higher, limiting access to affordable and secure financing.
The third challenge is the growing link between climate vulnerability and debt burdens. Citing a recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, he said climate risks are forcing some vulnerable countries to pay an additional $20 billion annually in interest costs.
The fourth challenge stems from the continuing energy crisis, which has increased the cost of imported fuel and directly affected production costs and industrial capacity.
Drawing on lessons from the 1980s, the minister said Bangladesh overcame past challenges through agricultural modernisation, market liberalisation and the foundations laid for the ready-made garment industry.
The fifth challenge involves rapid technological change, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain and 5G technology, which are reshaping global commerce while creating both risks and opportunities.
Khalilur said Prime Minister Tarique has a clear vision for turning these challenges into opportunities.
According to him, the government's three core objectives are stability, reform and development.
Reassuring foreign diplomats and business leaders, he said political change may raise questions but also provides clarity of purpose for genuine transformation.
He said the government possesses the political will, strategic vision and firm commitment needed to make Bangladesh the most competitive investment destination in South Asia.
