The government has set an export target of $63.4 billion for the 2026-27 fiscal year (FY27), aiming for 15% growth in both goods and services exports, Commerce Minister Khondakar Abdul Muktadir announced on Sunday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Commerce Ministry, the minister said the target includes $55.2 billion from merchandise exports and $8.2 billion from services, with both segments projected to grow by 15%.
Muktadir said Bangladesh's export sector has strong prospects for recovery despite global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and challenges in international markets. He attributed the optimism to a more business-friendly environment, simplified investment procedures and improved government services.
He said negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates are in their final stages, while the government also aims to conclude FTAs with several other countries this year. Formal negotiations with the European Union are also expected to begin soon.
Highlighting the need for export diversification, the minister said ready-made garments (RMG) still account for nearly 85% of Bangladesh's total exports.
To reduce dependence on the RMG sector, the government is prioritising leather and leather goods, footwear, shipbuilding, ship recycling, light engineering and information technology, with sector-specific action plans to be announced soon.
On the United States' tariff policy, Muktadir said there has been no substantive change in the effective tariff structure for Bangladesh, with the existing 10% tariff remaining in place under the new legal framework.
"As a result, we do not expect any fresh negative impact on Bangladesh's exports," he said.
Referring to the ongoing energy crisis, the minister acknowledged that gas shortages continue to limit industrial production. He said the government is working to improve the situation by installing additional Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) to boost LNG imports.
Expressing confidence that the FY27 target is achievable, Muktadir cited policy stability under the elected government, business-friendly reforms, progress in FTA negotiations and growing international buyer confidence.
"A new window of opportunity has opened up for Bangladesh," he said, adding that improved ease of doing business, expanded market access and export diversification are expected to drive the country's next phase of export growth.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif also attended the briefing.
