Dhaka: Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced that the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) will be transformed into an effective, modern, and sustainable institution to strengthen the country's international trade capacity. 'The BFTI is being developed as a self-sustaining knowledge centre with the objective of attaining full financial independence in the future,' he said. The minister made the remarks while presiding over the 62nd board meeting of the institute held at the ministry's conference room in the city, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Muktadir highlighted the growing complexity of global commerce and stated that a permanent expert panel would be formed under the BFTI. This panel will comprise experienced trade specialists, legal experts, and researchers from both the public and private sectors. The panel's role will include providing support in areas such as World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanisms, trade policy analysis, and negotiations related to bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Muktadir emphasized the development of BFTI as a permanent and effective resource base, noting that the institute's expert support would be crucial in safeguarding national interests during international trade negotiations.
As part of broader institutional reforms, the board approved a recommendation to appoint a qualified Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to ensure dynamic leadership of the organization. The meeting also decided to introduce post-graduate diploma programs in international trade, trade law, and trade policy research under the BFTI, subject to approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC). These programs aim to develop skilled professionals in specialized trade-related disciplines.
The board further stressed the need to expand the institute's research activities, strengthen training capabilities, and establish collaborative research networks at both national and international levels. The meeting was attended by various officials and representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Industries, Foreign Service Academy, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, ICC Bangladesh, BGMEA, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the CEO of BFTI.