The Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives, International Growth Center (IGC) and Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR) hosted a seminar in Islamabad

Dated : 28 December 2023

The Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives, International Growth Center (IGC) and Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR) hosted a seminar in Islamabad today featuring Dr. Sadiq Khan, Vice Chairman of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh. The event, organized by Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mohammad Jahanzeb Khan, focused on the "Development Journey of Bangladesh and Lessons Learnt for Pakistan."

Distinguished participants included Dr. Ijaz Nabi, Country Director International Growth Center (IGC), Chief Economist Zafar ul Hassan, Additional Secretary Kamran Rehman, and representatives from think-tanks, economic institutions, academia’s, private sector, civil society and various Government organization.

Dr. Sadiq Khan delivered a comprehensive presentation covering Bangladesh's early challenges, including quantitative restrictions, economic deregulation, banking reforms, trade with India, sectorial policies, special bonded warehouse systems, raw material imports, and strategies for food self-sufficiency and private investments. He emphasized the pivotal role of GDP growth, citing a remarkable average almost 6% per year from 2001 onward.

Discussing Bangladesh's inclusive growth strategy, Dr. Sadiq highlighted job creation, diversified agriculture, export-oriented manufacturing, and support for micro and small enterprises while commending Bangladesh's economic strength built on strategic trade agreements and sustainable industry practices.