SANGSAD BHABAN, 17 V7N— Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told parliament Tuesday that the government will include several foreign donor-supported employment initiatives in its upcoming five-year economic strategy framework. 

Responding to a written question from NCP lawmaker Akhter Hossen (Rangpur-4), the minister said work has begun on a new strategy paper called the “Strategic Reform and Development Framework (July 2026–June 2031)” to deliver on the government’s 2026 election manifesto. The document, set to be published soon, will outline specific job-creation plans backed by foreign donors and development partners.

A key part of the plan is a Growth Cluster Network designed to promote balanced regional development. Khosru explained that growth clusters are strategic economic hubs where industrial zones will be linked geographically and functionally into a coordinated ecosystem. Under the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND) framework, proposed Asian Development Bank financing will help set up nine integrated growth clusters across the country.

These clusters will be connected by a multimodal transport corridor running from the northwestern region through Dhaka to the southeastern coastal areas. The network will also cover the Sylhet Economic Zone and a tourism zone. The minister said the program should boost regional competitiveness, spur economic growth, and generate substantial employment nationwide.

On labor reforms, the government will collaborate with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the ILO, and the International Trade Union Confederation. With ILO support, steps will be taken to strengthen trade union rights and build workers’ organization capacity, aiming to improve job quality in the RMG sector and other industries. 

Khosru added that through the Economic Relations Division, development partner financing will be aligned with the government’s Structural Transformation Strategy priorities. For small businesses, the government plans to mobilize donor funds and bolster refinancing for MSMEs. Separate financing policies are planned for cottage and small industry entrepreneurs, along with special credit facilities for women and marginal entrepreneurs. 

The minister said he expects the combined measures to significantly drive employment, inclusive growth, and regional development across Bangladesh.

END/Aj/RH