Govt will continuously support private sector to boost economy: Hasina

The Awami League government will continue to support the private sector in order to ensure the optimum economic growth and development of the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

“I believe the private sector is one of the main drivers which will keep the cycle of economy moving,” the premier said while inaugurating an international seminar on Wednesday.

The seminar titled “New Economic Thinking: Bangladesh 2030 and Beyond” was arranged by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Assuring traders and investors, Hasina said her government would keep on supporting the private sector through policy formation and establishing a trade-friendly atmosphere.

In terms of size of the economy, Bangladesh may secure the 29th position in the world by 2030 and may scale up to the 23rd position by 2050, said Hasina, quoting Price Water House Coopers, an US-based multinational financial research company.

She stressed creating more employment opportunities by increasing remittance, developing infrastructure and upgrading education and medical sector.

“Bangladesh may emerge as a poverty-free country by 2030,” she said.

After announcing different government initiatives, she expressed her hope for turning Bangladesh into the central hub of regional commerce of Asia by 2041.

“Our open market policy will create a win-win situation through developing sub-regional and international relations, trade and commerce and extending investment opportunities,” she said.

The per capita income of a Bangladeshi will rise to around 12,600 USD by 2041, she said.

“At the same time, our income through export will extend 300 billion USD. Foreign investment will rise to around 130 billion USD which is currently 2.5 billion USD,” said the Awami League chief.

“All citizens will be facilitated with electricity by 2021,” she announced.

Establishment of deep sea port, coal-based power plant, metro rail and Bangabandhu sattellite among various projects will strengthen the economy, Hasina hoped.

Lim Siong Guan, president of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation presented keynote paper at the event chaired by DCCI President Hossain Khaled.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and FBCCI President Abdul Matlub Ahmad spoke at the event.