Bangladesh’s government has ordered preparation of a specific action plan to raise exports from five promising sectors and reduce reliance on ready-made garments. The directive was issued at a second consultation meeting with leading private-sector entrepreneurs, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The initiative aims to accelerate economic growth, diversify exports and attract foreign investment.

The source says ready-made garments generate 80 to 85 percent of export earnings, while five to six other products account for 10 to 15 percent. Priority sectors for the plan include information technology, light engineering, agricultural processing and leather goods. Investment Bangladesh Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stressed stronger public-private coordination, a business-friendly environment and needed policy reforms.

A high-level committee led by the Export Promotion Bureau’s director general has been formed and has held one meeting, according to a Commerce Ministry official. The government also ordered research into district-level production, existing capacity and future export potential. It has directed stronger implementation of the One Village One Product concept to develop local small and cottage industries for international markets.