The government launched 'Export Diversification and Competitiveness Development Project (Tier-2)' at a programme at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Thursday.
Organised by the Ministry of Commerce and WTO Cell, in collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), the objective of the project is to take up a strategy for addressing post-LDC challenges and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed inaugurated the project which will be implemented between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2021 at a cost of $1.3 million.
Subhashish Bose, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, presided over the function, while Ratnakar Adhikari, executive director of EIF Secretariat, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
The speakers highlighted the challenges that Bangladesh needs to overcome after graduation from LDC group and while achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the programme.
All needs to be cautious at this stage as some countries, such as Nepal, which graduated from LDC, is trapped in developing countries group, they informed.
The EIF is the only programme that extends assistance and cooperation to LDCs for promoting trade. The primary objective of EIF is to eradicate poverty through trade and ensure collective growth and sustainable development.
Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Siddiqur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), were present, among others, on the occasion.
