Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) President Mohammad Amirul Haque stressed the importance of a knowledge-based economy for strengthening and making Bangladesh's economy more conducive to investment. Speaking at the 'Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND)' co-hosted by the Chattogram Chamber and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), he highlighted the significant role of the private sector in the government's $80 billion development project, which aims to generate investment and employment over the next 20 years.
Haque emphasized that if the project is executed in alignment with the needs and recommendations of business leaders, it could lead to transformative changes in the country. He called for upgrading the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to a 10-lane road and constructing an alternative route from Chattogram to Noakhali, Chandpur, Narayanganj, and Dhaka to mitigate geo-strategic risks.
The CCCI President also stressed the urgent need to implement the Chattogram Port Bay Terminal project within the multimodal framework. He proposed transforming the Sonadia-Moheshkhali-Chattogram Port-Mirsarai Economic Zone into an economic corridor to promote industrialization. Additionally, he advocated for developing Chattogram Airport into a cargo hub modeled after Dubai's Sharjah Airport.
Haque further suggested making Chattogram Airport more competitive by lowering its tariffs compared to Dhaka Airport. He called for collaboration between Bangladeshi flagship businesses and foreign firms in major infrastructure initiatives and aligning human resource development with the requirements of factories and industries.
Tahsin H. Chowdhury, ADB's Private Sector Development Expert, and other directors of CCCI attended the event. The meeting aimed to gather insights and recommendations from stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the IGND project.
The emphasis on a knowledge-based economy and strategic infrastructure development is crucial for Bangladesh's economic growth. By aligning private sector needs with government projects, the country can attract more investment, create employment opportunities, and enhance its global competitiveness.
