Prime Minister Tareq Rahman said at a meeting on 1 August that the economy could see positive change within four to five years if the government and businesspeople work together.
The four-hour exchange with private entrepreneurs, organized by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), took place at his Tejgaon office; Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu provided details.
He said the goal is to work for the country and people, and that although problems exist in some areas, they can be overcome if everyone works together.
He acknowledged that both the government and businesspeople understand the economy's existing problems, and said the government is sincerely working to solve them with talks continuing.
He noted that the government is less than six months old, that several rounds of meetings have already taken place, and that sector-based issues are being addressed.
Participants were informed that 21 of 28 issues raised at an earlier meeting had been decided, with seven still under process, and that the next government-business meeting is planned within two to three months.
Entrepreneurs demanded loans on easy terms, policy support and a business-friendly environment, while expressing satisfaction with government initiatives.
They also presented a roadmap to raise export earnings to $100 billion by 2030, and the government assured necessary diplomatic cooperation; senior ministers, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury and Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman attended.