Dhaka: Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today announced the government’s efforts to simplify business procedures and modernize state-owned industrial units to bolster the national economy. ‘Entrepreneurs currently need 25 to 26 different licenses and permits to register with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). To address this, the government plans to introduce a provisional clearance system, enabling investors to obtain all essential approvals through a single streamlined process,’ he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration of the three-day 1st International Dhaka Industrial Packaging Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city. On the logistics front, the Minister highlighted that the sector accounts for about 16 percent of Bangladesh’s GDP, compared to the global average of around 10 percent. He attributed the higher cost to inefficiencies in port management and said the government is bringing in internationally experienced foreign operators to enhance efficiency.
Muktadir emphasized that as Bangladesh progresses toward developing country status, temporary measures are insufficient, necessitating long-term structural reforms. Regarding state-owned industries, he mentioned that many large enterprises under the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute have been idle or loss-making for years, requiring ongoing government subsidies. He noted there are around 40 such units under the Industries Ministry and 50 under the Textiles and Jute sector.
The government, he added, plans to open these assets for private investment within the next one to two years, including converting underutilized sugar mills into modern industrial parks and multi-purpose production hubs. Highlighting the packaging sector, the minister urged entrepreneurs to expand into global markets, promising policy and institutional support from the government. He asserted that the industry itself must lead in driving growth.
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif stated that packaging plays a crucial role in export diversification and accessing new international markets. The event also highlighted the strength of the domestic plastic industry, which comprises over 6,000 production units, employs around 1.5 million people, and meets more than 80 percent of domestic demand, with about 450 export-oriented units. Organized by Exponet Exhibition Private Limited, the expo aims to connect entrepreneurs, technology providers, and investors to promote industrial growth and innovation.