Bangladesh needs an effective partnership both locally and internationally for its sustainable graduation, speakers said at a workshop. Although the country has already achieved the three criteria to become a developing country for its sustainable development growth, the country may face some challenges following the formal graduation from LDC in 2024, they mentioned.
The country has suitable position for graduation which will be sustainable as it witnessed a record economic growth in all indices, they informed. They made the statements while speaking at a workshop titled “effective partnership with media for sustainable graduation” at Nazia-Salma Conference Room of Planning Commission in the city on Wednesday.
Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Finance Ministry and Development Journalist Forum of Bangladesh (DJFB) jointly organised the programme. ERD Secretary Monowar Ahmed, Project adviser of SBSS Graduation from LDC Status Project of ERD Kazi Shofiqul Azam, Joint Secretaries of ERD Abdul Baki and Anwar Hossain spoke in the event.
Monowar Ahmed said, “The country’s ability to repay the loan has increased. Now everyone wants to give credit to Bangladesh. The country is moving fast under the leadership of the government. Bangladesh is now a role model for development.” Bangladesh has already achieved the three criteria to become a developing country furthering the country’s image, self-reliance and self-dignity at the global stage, he added. “We need assistance from all to achieve the country's goals. So we all have to work together,” he further said.
Monowar said that around 23-24 countries out of the 47 listed were to graduate from LDC by 2020 but only 4-5 countries managed achieve their target. So effective partnership is very important now. “The cooperation of media is significant now as one media report can create both local and international ripples. However, I think Bangladesh will achieve its all goals if we work together,” he also said.
Kazi Shofiqul Azam said that the country will graduate to a developing country, which is good for the country, but it may face some challenges. “Bangladesh needs annual FDI around $10 billion to achieve SDG by 2030 and already it has around $3 billion at present,” he added.
He said, “If Bangladesh can graduate LDC by 2024 then the country will create a good image in global level. After LDC graduation, we will get more facilities including negotiation capacity, job creation in international market, investment, loan in less interest. “So we need more bilateral relation globally now and effective partnership to all,” he added.
