BSS) – Highlighting the untapped potential of the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC), Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized the urgent need to modernize the corporation through new equipment, innovative designs, and capacity-building measures.

“It is not only a national industry capable of meeting domestic demand but also a sector with significant export potential,” the adviser said, suggesting that the establishment of showrooms, such as the newly approved project, could enhance market visibility.

Rizwana made the remarks at a meeting with Maria Perdomo, Regional Investment Team Lead of the Asia Pacific Investment and Implementation Division of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), at Pani Bhaban in the city today.

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underscored that while the corporation has its own income and clientele—particularly through government procurement—its outdated machinery, primitive processes, and heavy traditional furniture products limit its competitiveness in modern furniture markets.

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, the Environment Adviser 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 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 at the meeting.

Adviser Rizwana Hasan welcomed the initiative expressing 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-owned enterprise.

Md. Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation, Md. Khayrul Hasan, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and senior officials of the UNCDF and BFIDC were also present on 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.