Maria Perdomo, Regional Investment Team Lead of the Asia Pacific Investment and Implementation Division of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), held a meeting with Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, at Pani Bhaban on Green Road, Dhaka, to discuss the modernization of the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) on Thursday.
During the discussion, Environment Advisor highlighted the untapped potential of the BFIDC, noting that it is not only a national industry with the ability to meet domestic demand but also a sector with significant export potential. She underscored that while the Corporation has its own income and clientele—particularly through government procurement—its outdated machinery, primitive processes, and heavy traditional furniture products limit its competitiveness against modern furniture markets.
Environment Advisor emphasized the urgent need for modernization through new equipment, design innovation, and capacity building. She also suggested that the establishment of showrooms, such as the newly approved project, could enhance market visibility. She further stressed the importance of creating an enabling legal framework that would allow BFIDC to engage in joint ventures with national and international companies, thereby unlocking opportunities for export.
Highlighting the Corporation’s vast human resources, Environment Advisor noted that modernization could transform BFIDC into a dynamic and creative enterprise. She added that gradual diversification from rubber plantations to bamboo and cane, in collaboration with local communities, could relieve pressure on natural forests while generating sustainable livelihoods.
Maria Perdomo, Regional Investment Team Lead of the Asia Pacific Investment and Implementation Division of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assured UNCDF’s willingness to explore financial, technical, and capacity-building support for BFIDC, in coordination with development partners and donor agencies. Potential collaboration with UNDP and interested bilateral partners was also discussed.
Adviser Rizwana Hasan welcomed the initiative and expressed Bangladesh’s commitment to modernizing the Forest Industries Development Corporation in line with national development priorities and biodiversity conservation goals.
She stressed that strategic partnerships, timely resource mobilization, and a clear roadmap would be key to unlocking the full potential of this important state enterprise.
Md. Nasir Uddin Ahmed, the Chairman of Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation, Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and high officials of the UNCDF and BFIDC were also present in the occasion.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to share project documents and feasibility studies for further review, as well as to maintain close communication to expedite resource mobilization and donor engagement.
