(BSS)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said joint efforts by the government and the business community could bring positive changes to the country’s economy within the next four to five years, stressing the need for continued dialogue to address existing challenges.

“If the government and the business community work together, it will be possible to bring positive changes to the country`s economy within the next four to five years,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks after a four-hour views exchange meeting with private sector entrepreneurs at the Prime Minister`s Office in Tejgaon this afternoon, said PM`s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organised the meeting.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said, “Our goal is to work for the country and its people. There are challenges in some areas, but if we work together, we can overcome them.”

The government understands the existing problems facing the economy, and so do the businesspeople, he said, adding, “We are sincerely working to resolve the issues, and discussions between the government and the business community will continue.”

The premier said, “We all acknowledge that there are many problems. I believe the government has at least been able to demonstrate that we are making sincere efforts.

“The government has not yet completed six months in office. During this period, we have met several times. Our first meeting was with you, and later we held discussions with the forum. We are working on sector-specific problems,” he said.

Referring to the previous meeting with business leaders, the Prime Minister said many of the issues raised by entrepreneurs at that time had already been resolved. A number of new issues were also raised at today`s meeting, and we will work on those as well, he said.

The Prime Minister announced that the government would hold another meeting with business leaders within the next two to three months.

“The more frequently we meet, the better we will understand your problems and the more effectively we will be able to solve them,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of dialogue, the premier said effective solutions emerge through open and sustained discussions over time. “If this process continues, we will be able to bring about positive changes in the country`s economy within the next four to five years,” he said.

The deputy press secretary said the meeting featured detailed discussions on business expansion, increasing foreign investment and creating a conducive environment for new industrialisation.

The entrepreneurs sought easier access to credit, greater policy support and the assurance of a business-friendly environment. They appreciated various government initiatives and expressed satisfaction over the progress of the ongoing measures, Shiplu said.

The meeting was informed that decisions had been taken on 21 of the 28 issues discussed at the previous meeting after reviewing them, while the remaining seven issues are still under process.

Business leaders also presented a roadmap to raise the country`s export earnings to USD 100 billion by 2030. The government assured them of extending the necessary diplomatic support to help boost exports.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Road Transport, Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, Prime Minister`s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister`s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resource Aninda Islam Amit, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, senior government officials and representatives of various industrial groups attended the meeting.

Prominent business leaders including Syed Nasim Manzur of Apex Group, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury of PRAN-RFL Group, Mostafa Kamal of Meghna Group and M A Jabbar of DBL Group, also took part in the meeting.

Representatives from Incepta, RANGS, Pacific Jeans, ACI, Bay Footwear, Runner, Walton and Jamuna, among other leading business conglomerates, were also present.