The Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Commerce with World Bank support, has emerged as one of Bangladesh's most successful export diversification programs. Launched in July 2017, the project aimed to reduce the country's heavy reliance on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector by boosting the competitiveness of four high-potential industries: leather and leather goods, footwear, plastics, and light engineering.
The EC4J project has exceeded nearly all of its key performance targets, creating a sustainable foundation for long-term industrial competitiveness. According to Sheikh Mohammad Abdur Rahman, Joint Secretary and Project Director of EC4J, the project has established a robust framework for industrial transformation, significantly accelerating the growth of non-RMG sectors.
Under the project, 570 firms, including women-led enterprises, received financial and technical support through the Export Readiness Fund (ERF). These firms secured 260 international compliance certifications and achieved a 59 percent sales growth, far surpassing the project's original target of 15.4 percent. Beneficiary firms also successfully entered 22 new international markets, with export participation increasing from 59 percent to 95 percent.
The EC4J project has directly benefited more than 107,000 people, contributing to nearly 180,000 new and improved jobs—almost three times the original target of 60,000. The World Bank has described EC4J as a successful collaboration between the government and the private sector, highlighting the importance of combining financial incentives with technical assistance and skills development.
The project's success is crucial for Bangladesh as it prepares for LDC graduation and faces increasing competition in international markets. By diversifying exports and creating quality jobs, the EC4J project has strengthened Bangladesh's position in global value chains and laid the groundwork for sustained industrial growth.
