Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has announced plans to transform the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute into a premier national think tank focused on international trade research, economic policy, and legal capacity building.
Speaking while chairing the 63rd meeting of the institute board of directors in the capital, the commerce minister stated that profound research is vital to protect the commercial interests of the nation amidst a changing global economic system.
He explained that the administration has launched a long-term strategic plan to strengthen the organisation, noting that funding is secure and work has begun to establish a clear institutional direction.
Under the new plan, the institute will focus on training skilled professionals in international trade agreements, regulatory systems, and legal interpretation.
Researchers at the institute will regularly monitor market conditions, trade trends, and potential economic risks across key trading partners, including China, India, the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
The commerce minister added that the research findings will guide official state policymaking and assist private sector business strategy.
To raise standards, the institute plans to collaborate with top global universities to offer certified training programmes in international trade law and economic policy for civil servants and business leaders.
The administration also intends to establish a network of public and private sector trade law specialists to strengthen national capacity in international negotiations.
During the meeting, the board formally approved the appointment of Mostafa Abid Khan as the new chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute.
Board members were informed that ongoing research projects include reviews of existing trade laws, studies on export diversification, and evaluations of anti-dumping and safeguard measures.
The institute is also expanding its educational offerings by partnering with BRAC University to launch a postgraduate diploma in international trade and business.
Additional research and capacity-building projects are currently underway in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and regional economic research bodies.
