CHATTOGRAM, August 31, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) President Mohammad Amirul Haque said a knowledge-based economy is essential for strengthening and making the country's economy more conducive to investment-friendly.
 
He was speaking at a 'Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND),' which was co-hosted by the Chattogram Chamber and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the World Trade Center Conference Hall here today.
 
He highlighted the significant role of the private sector in the government's $80 billion development project, which is being formulated with ADB's technical assistance to generate investment and employment over the next 20 years.
 
“If this project is executed in alignment with the needs and recommendations of business leaders, it could lead to transformative changes in the country. The Chamber President emphasized the necessity of upgrading the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to a 10-lane road and constructing an alternative route from Chattogram to Noakhali, Chandpur, Narayanganj, and Dhaka, considering geo-strategic risks,” he said.
 
  He stressed the urgent need to implement the Chattogram Port Bay Terminal project within the multimodal framework, promote industrialization by transforming the Sonadia-Moheshkhali-Chattogram Port-Mirsarai Economic Zone into an economic corridor, and develop Chattogram Airport into a cargo hub modeled after Dubai's Sharjah Airport. 

Furthermore, he advocated for making Chattogram Airport more competitive by lowering its tariffs compared to Dhaka Airport, ensuring collaboration between Bangladeshi flagship businesses and foreign firms in major infrastructure initiatives, and aligning human resource development with the requirements of factories and industries.  

Tahsin H. Chowdhury, ADB's Private Sector Development Expert, among other directors of CCCI, attended the event.