Bangladesh is experiencing a dynamic transition to a market economy. The main policies aim at sustaining macroeconomic stability, as well as reducing poverty. These targets are of particular importance in a country of 160 million citizens, located at a strategic crossing point between the Indian Subcontinent, South-East Asia and China. Throughout the last years Bangladesh achieved to maintain a remarkably high economic growth, even during the international economic crisis period. As an example, the GDP growth rate amounted to 6.7 % in 2010-11. With regards to this economic boom, most of the Western forecasts are insisting on the strong and long-term economic potential of Bangladesh.

 

The resilience capacity of Bangladeshi economy associated with the progressive privatization process are both essential assets to attract investments. Bangladeshi officials are assisting daily many investors throughout their business activities in Bangladesh. The other macroeconomic indicators are consistent with a stable and investment-friendly environment (e.g. more than 1130 Million USD of Foreign Direct Investments in 2011). The huge amount of FDI in Bangladesh makes it one of the fastest-growing recipients of investments in Asia and has a sustaining feedback on the economic growth.

 

The main asset of the economy remains its supply of qualified labour at competitive prices. The export basket, mainly constituted of garments, tends to become more diversified. In fact, many foreign buyers are in competition on international markets for the purchase of Bangladeshi products (shrimps, fruits, gifts, apparels, ships, pharmaceuticals, electronic components…).  The export products are becoming increasingly more sophisticated and in full compliance with international norms.

 

The quality of export products is appreciated by the main international firms in many sectors. The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is displaying the quality of Bangladeshi products in the most famous fairs in Europe. The Bangladeshi diaspora abroad is another asset for the direct promotion of Bangladeshi cultural products.The most-famous industrial centers are Dhaka (capital city) and Chittagong that are both located in an Export Processing Zone. The country present also substantial reserves of natural gas, coal and fertile agricultural land.

 

Bangladesh also achieved remarkable social success with regards to poverty reduction, primary education enrolment and elimination of gender disparity. The Perspective Plan (2010-2021) and the preliminary draft of the Sixth Five Year Plan (2011-2015) were elaborated to settle targets with regards to both economic and social development. In fact, lots of jobs are planned to be created according to the Five Year Plan.