Bangladesh is preparing to graduate from least developed country (LDC) to developing country status. As part of this, the country’s business organisations are taking one initiative after another to hold on to export markets, enter new ones and attract foreign investment. Business leaders are also signing agreements, joining trade fairs and taking part in bilateral and multilateral meetings and seminars to expand existing export markets, according to conversations with the business organisations.
Among the steps under discussion are a Bangladesh Apparel Roadshow in Hong Kong, Batexpo 2026, the launch of a Japan desk and a Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) trade delegation to Malaysia. Government efforts to attract investment have also been reorganised, alongside trade agreements with various countries including a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with South Korea. People involved believe the LDC graduation is also behind these moves.
According to the latest Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, Bangladesh’s goods exports were about $48 billion in fiscal 2025-26. Bangladesh Bank puts export earnings at $48.38 billion, just 0.17 percent more than the previous year’s $48.30 billion, so export growth remains very limited. Dependence on ready-made garments continues, though those involved want to reduce it and diversify exports. According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladeshi garments are currently exported to 37 countries, but the country lags behind in value addition and high-value clothing. Against this backdrop, the most active initiatives are coming from the garment sector.
To attract new international buyers and brands, the BGMEA is holding a Bangladesh Apparel Roadshow in Hong Kong on October 28. It is also hosting Batexpo 2026 in Dhaka on November 18-19, the first in twelve years, aiming to bring international brands, buyers, investors, technology companies and industry players under one roof.
The garment industry is also giving new weight to the Japanese market. On September 23 the BGMEA launched a Japan desk to help Bangladeshi factories connect with Japanese buyers and support market research, buyer identification and solving business problems.
In August, Bangladesh and South Korea reached an agreement in principle on a CEPA, which could help Bangladesh keep tariff benefits after LDC graduation.
Business organisations are also more directly active in Malaysia. A 39-member DCCI delegation recently visited the country, holding B2B meetings and working to attract Malaysian investment.
The government is also widening the scope of trade agreements as part of this market expansion. According to the commerce ministry, talks are under way with at least 15 countries and trade blocs on various trade agreements or market access, and efforts are being made to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The process of pushing Bangladesh’s LDC graduation back three years from November 2026 is in its final stage, with UN approval being sought to move it to November 2029. Business leaders believe the risks after graduation have an indirect influence on these initiatives. As an LDC, Bangladesh has enjoyed special tariff benefits in various markets and some special privileges at the World Trade Organization, which may shrink after graduation. Rules of origin, labour and environmental standards and competitiveness will also matter more in many markets.
Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, vice-president of the BGMEA, told Amar Desh that the association’s recent initiatives are essentially part of market expansion. “First, our EPA with Japan has been signed and is now awaiting approval in parliament. When a government-to-government agreement is signed, it wins the confidence of buyers in that country and encourages them to do more business. Following that, three or four large delegations from Japan have already come to Bangladesh wanting to expand business here,” he said.
One of the main aims of the BGMEA’s recent initiatives is to prepare for LDC graduation and expand markets, he said. “We have to reduce our heavy dependence on Europe and America and build a strong alternative, or third, market.”
DCCI president Taskeen Ahmed, however, described the initiatives as part of regular activities rather than preparation for LDC graduation. “In one sense, it is not like that. But it is also partly linked to LDC preparation,” he said. “We have to graduate from LDC status. The current government is very sincere about this, and a three-year strategic period has been taken for it. The government has already formed several committees combining the public and private sectors, and they have held several meetings.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report