Production Transformation Policy Review of Bangladesh
Investing in the Future of a Trading Nation
Half a century after independence, Bangladesh has achieved impressive progress. The country has transformed from one of the poorest nations into a global textile manufacturing hub capable of meeting its medical needs almost entirely through domestic pharmaceutical production. The country will graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category in 2026 and aspires to be a high-income nation through industrialisation by 2041. Meeting this challenge requires accelerating economic transformation through diversification and innovation. This Production Transformation Policy Review (PTPR), implemented with the support and collaboration of the European Union (EU), and in partnership with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), identifies concrete options for supporting Bangladesh’s development. It calls for leveraging digitalisation to address persistent fragilities and it advocates for a new pact based on shared responsibilities between the national government, the private sector and international partners to shift to a new development phase and ensure sustainable, smooth and irreversible graduation.
Transforming industries: Perspectives from electronics and pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh
Bangladesh needs to upgrade its domestic industry and diversify its export basket. Targeted policies since the 1980s have nurtured manufacturing. These measures, backed by favourable trade preferences tied to its LDC status, have spurred industry growth. With LDC graduation slated for 2026, Bangladesh must sustain its industrial evolution, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. This necessitates updating trade policies for business innovation. This chapter examines Bangladesh's electronics and pharmaceuticals sectors, which serve domestic needs and have export potential. Drawing on international dialogue and domestic consultation, this chapter explores the key priorities Bangladesh will have to focus on if it is to unlock its transformative potential.
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