Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called for support from US businesses in Bangladesh's quest to become a developed and smart country by 2041. Addressing a delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council at her official residence, Ganabhaban, she emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving this goal.

"We aspire to become a smart nation by 2041. We need your support in increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our export base," she stated.

Sheikh Hasina noted that Bangladesh will transition from a least developed country to a developing country by 2026, attributing this progress to sustained efforts and good governance over the past 15 years. She highlighted the nation's significant socioeconomic growth and the role of ICT in achieving "Digital Bangladesh."

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the long-standing economic and developmental partnership with the United States, which has been a major destination for Bangladeshi exports and a significant source of foreign direct investment.

"Our shared aim is to achieve mutual benefit and prosperity for our people, as seen in our growing bilateral trade and people-to-people interactions," she said.

Sheikh Hasina invited US investors to explore opportunities in various sectors, including renewable energy, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and ICT, citing Bangladesh's young, skilled workforce and favorable investment policies.

Steven Kobos, Chairman of the US-Bangladesh Business Council Board of Directors, and Ambassador Atul Keshap, President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council, were among those present at the meeting.

Promoting Economic and Commercial Relations

The Prime Minister emphasized Bangladesh's focus on enhancing economic and commercial ties globally, including with the United States. She highlighted the country's strategic location and improved connectivity, making it an attractive destination for investment.

In the past 15 years, her government has implemented major infrastructure projects such as the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metro Rail, and the Karnaphuli River Tunnel. Legal and financial infrastructure enhancements have also improved domestic and regional connectivity.

Sheikh Hasina pointed out that Bangladesh is currently one of the fastest-growing economies, ranking as the 35th largest economy globally and projected to be the 25th by 2030. This growth, she said, is driven by a vibrant private sector, with significant contributions from US businesses.

She also highlighted the country's progress in reducing poverty, improving life expectancy, and increasing literacy rates, particularly among women, which exceed the South Asian average.

"Now nearly all children are finishing primary school. Significantly, the female literacy rate is 73.25%, higher than the South Asian average of 65%," she noted.