Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has emphasized that Bangladesh must focus not only on infrastructure but also on human resource and institutional capacity development to enhance competitiveness in global trade. He said building skilled professionals in trade negotiation, trade law, WTO regulations, and modern trade management is essential for effective participation in international trade systems.

The minister made these remarks during a meeting with World Bank Operations Manager Gael Martin at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon. The discussion covered ongoing cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and the World Bank, capacity development, skilled human resource creation, and modernization of the trade sector. Muktadir sought expanded collaboration in developing trade negotiation skills, strengthening the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute, and improving practical expertise in trade law and WTO matters.

Gael Martin described the EC4J project as a successful initiative and affirmed that the World Bank would continue supporting similar projects and skill development programs to promote employment, productivity, and value creation in Bangladesh’s economy.