Islamabad:Bangladesh aims to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub and an export gateway by enhancing regional production networks, according to Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning, Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir discussed this vision during the inaugural session of the 29th Sustainable Development Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan. He suggested that cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan could form a new model of integrated production networks that connect South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Titumir emphasized the importance of attracting investments that enhance domestic capacity, facilitate technology transfer, and create employment opportunities in developing countries. He also announced plans to increase public spending on education from the current 2 percent of GDP to 5 percent by 2030 as part of Bangladesh's economic development strategy.
The adviser highlighted Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen production networks with other South Asian nations to mitigate the long-term effects of global manufacturing disruptions. He noted that these initiatives could foster inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
Addressing the ongoing global economic challenges, Titumir mentioned the implementation of social safety net programs such as the Family Card and Farmers' Card initiatives to promote balanced development in Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that these measures would help the country overcome economic crises and poverty exacerbated by war, energy shortages, and previous governmental mismanagement.
During the conference, which was organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), delegates from South Asia, Southeast Asia, China, and other regions participated in numerous panel and plenary sessions. Prof Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, presented the keynote paper.
In addition to the conference, Titumir visited the newly constructed Bangladesh Chancery Complex in Islamabad, where he engaged with officials and planted a jamun tree sapling. He also held meetings with several Pakistani ministers to discuss enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.