Bangladesh is preparing a five-year action plan to strengthen trade capacity, improve investment conditions and protect domestic industries as it approaches graduation from the least developed country category. The scheduled graduation date is November 24 this year, while the country faces the prospect of reduced tariff preferences and tougher competition in global markets. The Trade Ministry says the plan contains 12 priority actions, including export capacity, trade facilitation, institutional capability, training, research and greater use of artificial intelligence.

Bangladesh sought an extension of its preparation period from the UN Committee for Development Policy on February 18. The committee said an extension could be appropriate if Bangladesh makes significant progress on internal reforms to address structural weaknesses. On July 21, the UN Economic and Social Council noted the committee’s decision and recommended that the General Assembly take necessary action before November 24.

A Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute report for the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission calls for stronger anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard capacity. It recommends coordinated partnerships among government, industry and universities, alongside a national trade defence council, support centres, specialised cells, digital information systems and skilled personnel. Economists and business leaders also stress energy security, banking reform, policy continuity, skilled human resources and export diversification.