The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has conveyed its willingness to deepen partnership with Bangladesh aimed at spurring capital investment, streamlining commerce and trade, lowering logistical expenses, and augmenting the operational capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The UNDP additionally signaled its preparedness to collaborate with Bangladesh to boost export capabilities and foster domestic expertise concerning worldwide trade negotiations, as detailed via a press notification.

These matters were deliberated during a conference involving Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stephen Rodriques conducted at the Secretariat on this day.

In the course of the session, UNDP delegates observed that Bangladesh's investment appeal is steadily expanding, underscoring the imperative to leverage this momentum while fortifying domestic enterprises and upholding ecological and social benchmarks within the commercial sphere.

The commerce minister noted that the administration has enacted diverse measures designed to ease trade licensing and clearance protocols.

"Previously, some processes took nearly three months to complete, but now they can be completed within two weeks," he remarked, adding that requisite steps will be implemented to render procedures more streamlined, expedited, and efficient.

The gathering likewise touched upon curtailing Bangladesh's elevated logistical outlays alongside raising efficiency levels across port and terminal administration.

Muktadir affirmed that the government is dedicated to bolstering Bangladesh's commercial competitiveness through cutting down the duration and expenditures tied to cargo processing via internationally standardized management methodologies.

Emphasizing MSMEs as a vital pillar of the nation's financial framework, the minister requested UNDP assistance in mapping funding deficits within the domain, delivering instruction, cultivating entrepreneurs' commercial acumen, and establishing robust marketplace connections.

Stephen Rodriques stated that the UNDP intends to investigate pathways linking small and medium-sized businesses to worldwide supply chains while fostering their export orientation.

He likewise voiced the UNDP's readiness to back Bangladesh in minimizing redundant bottlenecks within customs clearances, easing commercial transit, and elevating national proficiency regarding international trade pact dialogues through specialized instruction, essential resources, and the cross-border sharing of global insights.

Conveying an optimistic outlook regarding Bangladesh's recent transformations and financial trajectory, Rodriques observed that UNDP assistance will be recalibrated to align with state priorities centered on job creation, fostering financial expansion, and structural diversification.

He additionally mentioned that overseas investors are observing Bangladesh's recent shifts favorably.

Joint Secretary (FTA) belonging to the Ministry of Commerce Mahbuba Khatun Minu, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Economic Adviser Yase Parry, and Project Manager Maruf Azam attended the conference.