10 May, 2023
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Chief Economist Dr. Albert F. Park, with Dr. Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director of the Bangladesh Resident Mission, and Dr. Areef Suleman, ERS Director of the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), launched the publication titled “Transforming Bangladesh’s Participation in Trade and Global Value Chains” in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 7 May 2023.
The joint publication is an output of the collaborative knowledge initiative between the IsDBI and the ADB on global value chains. It is a technical reference for analysts and policymakers at a time when economic globalization faces headwinds.
The event started with remarks from Dr. Edimon Ginting and a keynote speech from Dr. Albert F. Park. The opening statements stressed the importance of multilateral collaboration in promoting evidence-based decision-making to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
Following the opening speeches, the report findings were presented by Mr. Mahinthan J. Mariasingham, ADB Senior Statistician, and Dr. Pramila A. Crivelli, ADB Economist. They emphasized how Bangladesh can build on its recent economic success by unlocking productivity gains from technology adoption, narrowing the digital divide, and expanding its participation in global value chains.
They also illustrated the patterns and trends in GVC participation and showed statistics that unpack the pursuit of diversification, agglomeration, and digitalization, providing an evidence-based narrative to support economic analysis and policymaking.
A panel discussion by Mr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of Policy Research Institute (PRI), Mr. Rana Hasan, ADB Regional Economic Adviser of SARD, and Ms. Ridma Khan, Director of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, enriched the event through the productive exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Moreover, special remarks from guests, Dr. Md. Kawser Ahmed, Member (Secretary), GED, Planning Commission, and Chief Guest Dr. Shamsul Alam, Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Planning, Bangladesh, highlighted the relevance and importance of the study for the track of the Bangladesh economy over the following years.
As the event wrapped up, a special vote of thanks and closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Areef Suleman. Dr. Suleman pointed out that the report is only an instrument, and the most important work will be done through carefully designed policies and closely monitored implementation on the ground.
The success of the joint publication launch strengthens the IsDBI-ADB collaboration in Bangladesh and other common member countries.
