Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed optimism on Saturday that Bangladesh's economic landscape could undergo a positive transformation within four to five years, provided the public and private sectors collaborate effectively to tackle current hurdles.

Speaking at an interactive exchange with private sector entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister emphasized unity in problem-solving, stating, "There are problems in some areas, but if we work together, we can overcome them."

The nearly four-hour session, which commenced around 10 am at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, was hosted by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), according to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The dialogue focused on scaling up business ventures, drawing increased foreign direct investment, and fostering a favorable industrial climate.

Stressing the administration's commitment to national welfare, Tarique Rahman underlined that tight alignment between policymakers and trade leaders remains vital to resolving systemic constraints.

He noted that both parties maintain a clear view of market obstacles, confirming that constructive discussions will persist until pragmatic solutions are realized.

"We all acknowledge that there are many problems. The government has at least demonstrated that it is trying. The government is not yet six months old, but we have already held several meetings with the business community. We are addressing sector-specific challenges one by one," Tarique Rahman remarked.

Reflecting on past engagements, the Prime Minister pointed out that numerous issues previously raised by trade representatives have been resolved, assuring attendees that fresh concerns brought forward on Saturday would receive similar attention.

He announced plans to convene a follow-up session with business leadership in two to three months, adding, "The more we sit together, the better we will understand your problems and the easier it will be to resolve them." He reiterated that open communication offers the most reliable route toward tangible economic improvement over the next four to five years.

Throughout the meeting, corporate delegates urged authorities to ease credit access, deliver policy backing, and cultivate a competitive investment landscape. They lauded several recent state reforms and voiced contentment with the current momentum.

BIDA officials revealed that out of 28 operational issues outlined in the preceding consultation, 21 have been resolved, with action underway on the remaining seven.

Additionally, industry leaders submitted a strategic roadmap targeting USD 100 billion in annual export receipts by 2030, receiving assurances of diplomatic backing from the government to secure new export destinations.

The high-level session was attended by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam, Finance Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman, alongside senior bureaucrats and prominent industrial figures.

With Inputs from UNB