GET IN TOUCH
- Please wait...
LightCastle Partners participated in a policy seminar titled “Role of Competitiveness for Jobs Project on Export Diversification in Bangladesh” held on 22 January 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, contributing to discussions on strengthening Bangladesh’s export competitiveness and diversification agenda.
The seminar brought together senior representatives from the Export Promotion Bureau, UNDP Bangladesh, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, and the World Bank, reflecting a multi-stakeholder perspective on export reform and competitiveness.
Bijon Islam, Chief Executive Officer of LightCastle Partners, delivered the keynote presentation at the seminar, focusing on firm-level competitiveness, sector readiness, and private-sector–led pathways to export diversification.
Speaking as the chief guest, Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, emphasized the need for policy support, capable entrepreneurship, and sustained capacity building to expand Bangladesh’s participation in global trade. He noted that the government is working to reduce overdependence on the ready-made garments sector by promoting diversification into higher-potential export sectors.
The Trade Advisor further highlighted that major reforms and investments are being undertaken through the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project to support the government’s target of achieving USD 100 billion in exports by 2030, underscoring the importance of pragmatic and evidence-based policymaking in a changing global context.
The Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project is a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, implemented between July 2017 and June 2026, aimed at diversifying export products, strengthening enterprise competitiveness, and expanding access to international markets.
The project focuses on four priority sectors outside the RMG industry, leather and leather products, footwear, light engineering, and plastics supported through technology infrastructure, matching grants, and market linkage initiatives.
Our experts can help you solve your unique challenges
