(BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said the government wants to establish creative industries as a

mainstream economic sector and a source of Bangladesh`s soft power on the global stage.

"Arts and culture, rural handicrafts, music, films and theatre must be integrated into mainstream economic activities to become key drivers of the country`s future GDP growth and strengthen Bangladesh`s soft power internationally," he said.

The finance minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of the book Creative Footprints, jointly organised by Standard Chartered Bank and Bengal Foundation at a city hotel.

He said traditional economic thinking had consistently placed arts and culture behind other economic activities. The present government has decided to move beyond that approach and incorporate the creative economy as a new driver of the country`s economic aspirations and growth, said a Finance
Ministry press release.

The minister said the government alone could not implement all the
initiatives required to develop the sector. Strong partnerships with the
private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), alongside
appropriate policies and financing, would therefore play a crucial role in
advancing creative industries.

He said the government had already allocated necessary funds for the sector
in the national budget, while private-sector organisations had also shown
interest in making substantial investments.

Outlining the government`s plans, Amir Khosru said it would provide financial
assistance to local artisans, painters and cultural workers, alongside
support for skills development, design, branding and marketing through
international e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay and Alibaba.

"These initiatives would help marginalised artists and artisans secure fair
prices for their products and convert their creative work into sustainable
income," he said.

The measures would also improve their living standards, create employment
opportunities and contribute to foreign exchange earnings, the minister
added.
Emphasising the international significance of Bangladesh`s cultural heritage,
he said creative industries represented more than art, handicrafts or
business; they also served as an important source of the country`s soft
power.

"Through music, theatre, films and handicrafts, we want to strengthen
Bangladesh`s position on the global stage," he said.

The finance minister thanked Standard Chartered Bank and Bengal Foundation
for their initiative and expressed optimism that joint efforts by the
government and private sector would bring about a cultural and economic
transformation in the country.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke attended the event as a
special guest.

Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair Litu and Standard Chartered Bank Chief
Executive Officer Enamul Haque were also present.