Monday, October 13, 2025

Faster project implementation boosts access to finance: experts

Faster implementation of projects is a key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Asian Development Bank Country Director Manmohan Parkash said yesterday.
“If we want higher achievements, we need higher capacity.”
Financing will be simplified and access to finance will be enhanced if projects are implemented faster in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.
Parkash was speaking at a session on “Inclusive financing for SDGs in Asia and the Pacific” on the second day of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Financing for Inclusive and Sustainable Development at InterContinental Dhaka. Planning Minister MA Mannan moderated the session.
The Asia and the Pacific region is an evolving development story accounting for 60 percent of the human population and 35 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP).
Today the region accounts for over 60 percent of global growth but still has 1.4 billion people living on less than $2 per day.
According to an UN estimate, the financing gap to achieve the SDGs is $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion per year in developing countries alone.
“However, financing is probably not the problem, the main challenge is to mobilise and regulate the financing to achieve the targets, and to sustain the results.”
Investments for SDGs are not for the sake of investments only. It also makes economic sense, he said.
An estimate shows that achieving the SDGs could open up $12 trillion of market opportunities; create 380 million new jobs; and action on climate change would result in savings of about $26 trillion by 2030, Parkash said.
The first action needed is to improve domestic resource mobilisation. Extensive reforms are needed to modernise the revenue systems. Simplification of revenue collection systems and procedures is critical, he said.
UN-Escap estimated that the developing Asia-Pacific countries should invest an additional $1.5 trillion per year, or 5 percent of their combined GDP, to achieve the SDGs by 2030. “Today, ambition is the only option in our region,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-Escap).
“It will be necessary to modernise tax systems and improve the efficiency of tax administrations. The increasing importance of new business models and excessive tax competition across countries and tax evasion by multilateral corporations are also causing losses to developing countries’ tax administrations.”
“To address these are common challenges, we need to significantly strengthen regional dialogues and cooperation on tax matters, as they have a direct bearing on the fiscal space to deliver on the 2030 Agenda,” she added.
She said to support countries’ capacities on infrastructure financing, UN-Escap has established the Infrastructure Financing and Public Private Partnership Network of Asia and the Pacific.
Capital markets and green bonds can help mobilise additional private financing for sustainable infrastructure projects, she noted.
“Third, let us enhance financial inclusion and financial technology, and other innovative financing mechanisms,” said Alisjahbana.
AB Mirza Azizul Islam, former adviser to a caretaker government, stressed on the need for taking policy action to enhance progress incorporating inclusive financing with SDGs.
Easy and access to bank accounts and cheap credit for poor, small and micro enterprises are related to poverty alleviation, he said.
The government has taken the SDG achievement target seriously and regional, multi-level cooperation are needed to achieve sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific, said Mannan while moderating the session.
Bun Chanthy, vice minister of the commerce ministry of Cambodia, highlighted the growth target of the country and said Cambodia was working to be high middle income country in 2030 and high income country by 2050.
The policy platform supports pro employment, equity, economic diversification, private sector development, modernisation of SMEs and new enterprise development, digital economy and industrial revolution, the Cambodian minister said.
Puspa Raj Kadel, vice chairman of the National Planning Commission of Nepal, and Mohammad Ali Taslim, former chairman of Bangladesh Tariff Commission, also spoke.

-With The Daily Star input

Related News

realme 15 Series to debut as the ultimate AI Party Phone in Bangladesh

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com realme, the youth-favorite smartphone brand, is set to launch its much-anticipated realme 15 series as the ‘AI Party Phone’ on 12 October 2025.The long-awaited return of the series will debut in three versions: realme 15, realme 15 Pro, and realme 15t. This time, customers will have more choice, more power, and ... Read more

One in three graduates remains jobless for up to 2yrs

Finds state-run statistical agency Economy Md Asaduz Zaman One in three university graduates remained unemployed for up to two years while looking for work last year. Of them, one in seven had been without work for between one and two years. In the next category, one in six graduates had been jobless for more than ... Read more

Standard Chartered returns funds after credit card fraud

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Standard Chartered Bangladesh, the biggest multinational bank in the country, has taken steps to refund its credit card customers who fell victim to a string of fraudulent activities. In a statement on 26 September, the bank said that during early September, they received complaints regarding fraudulent transactions from credit cards, through ... Read more

BYD launched its popular electric vehicle Atto 3’s upgraded version in Bangladesh

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com BYD, the leading global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has launched the upgraded version of its popular electric vehicle, BYD Atto 3, at an exclusive event on 20 September at the BYD Flagship Showroom in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The event was graced by Hafizur Rahman Khan, Chairman of CG RUNNER BD LTD, ... Read more

Ruhul Quddus Khan takes charge as Unilever Bangladesh CEO

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL) has appointed Ruhul Quddus Khan as its chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director, with effect from November 1. Ruhul, a career Unilever leader, began his journey with the company in 1996 as a trainee under the Unilever Future Leaders’ Programme at the Kalurghat factory. Over his ... Read more

Samsung TV crowned best brand for 2025-26

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Superbrands has honored Samsung TV with the Best TV Brand award for the second time in a row for its excellence in TV manufacturing at the gala event held on September 20 at Le Méridien Dhaka, said a press rlease on Saturday. This award comes as Samsung TV continues to be ... Read more

Xiaomi launches Redmi Pad 2 in Bangladesh

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Pad 2 in Bangladesh, offering an advanced display, long battery life, and enhanced sound to improve the digital experience for local users. The device features an 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering a smooth experience for streaming, content creation, and gaming. Its adaptive ... Read more

Google Pay Launching in Bangladesh Next Week

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Google Pay is set to make its debut in Bangladesh by the middle of next week, ushering in a new era of hassle-free digital transactions for users. In partnership with global payment giants Mastercard and Visa, City Bank will roll out the contactless payment service at the Westin Dhaka hotel on ... Read more

Green Delta launches Bangladesh’s first insurance for pets

Initially, the policy will cover dogs and cats Sukanta Halder Green Delta has launched the country’s first insurance for pets, which the insurer sees as a milestone for the industry. This innovative product provides crucial financial protection for beloved companion animals, covering a range of unforeseen events, including accidental injuries, critical illnesses, and specified diseases, ... Read more

Apex Bangladesh Fashion Legacy 2025 combines cultural heritage with global style trends

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Keeping pace with global fashion trends while celebrating the country’s fashion heritage, innovative designs, and sustainable production, the second edition of the “Apex Bangladesh Fashion Legacy Fashion Show 2025” was held in Dhaka. This grand event took place at the Aloki Convention Hall at 7pm on February 8. The fashion show ... Read more

Walton launches ‘AC Exchange Offer’

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton on Wednesday announced launch of ‘AC Exchange Offer’ in which customers can buy Walton’s new air conditioners and get 25 per cent discount in exchange of their used ACs of any brands, said a press release. The company also announced a 5-year warranty facility for some printed circuit board models ... Read more

Grand event ‘GPH Maharaj Darbar’ held by GPH Ispat

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com GPH Ispat Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of steel rebar in Bangladesh, recently organised “GPH Maharaj Darbar-2024.” A total of 185 channel partners of the company across the country participated in the two-day event, according to a press release. The company recognised top-performing partners in various categories based on their ... Read more

SMC’s 50-year journey: innovation and success

News Desk : dhakamirror.com Social Marketing Company (SMC), a not-for-profit organisation, has completed 50 years of remarkable operations in the health sector of Bangladesh. Over the past five decades, the company has achieved significant milestones by marketing innovative products and delivering essential healthcare services. SMC recently organised a programme at the InterContinental Dhaka to celebrate ... Read more

Walton receives orders amounting Tk 350 crore at ATS Expo

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton received orders worth around Tk 350 crore from various local and foreign companies at the “Advanced Technology Solution-ATS Expo 2024”, the country’s sole industrial expo organised by tech-giant Walton. SM Mahbubul Alam, managing director of Walton Hi-Tech Industries, provided the disclosure at the event’s closing ceremony. The three-day expo ended ... Read more

Big price drop on Walton desktops, extra 10% off for online orders

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited, the leading technology product manufacturing and marketing company in Bangladesh, has come up with a huge price drop on its desktop computers. This attractive price drop is applicable on the company’s AMD Ryzen™ processor-powered Avian series desktops. Under this, customers are enjoying a minimum price drop of ... Read more

bKash wins Mastercard Excellence Awards

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com bKash, the largest mobile financial service (MFS) provider in Bangladesh, recently won an award at the “Mastercard Excellence Awards” in recognition of its exceptional contributions to advancing financial inclusion and fostering a robust digital economy. The MFS provider was awarded by the US-based digital payment provider in the digital business category ... Read more

Dhaka resident buys Marcel fridge, wins car

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Anisur Rahman, a resident of Uttarkhan, Dhaka, became the first lucky winner of a brand-new car under Marcel’s Digital Campaign Season-21, after purchasing a Marcel refrigerator. This campaign offers customers a chance to win a free car or assured gifts with the purchase of Marcel refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and ... Read more

Banglalink teams up with Vivo to provide special data deals for youth

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Banglalink, the country’s innovative digital operator, has partnered with vivo to launch a data offer specifically designed for tech-savvy youth. This collaboration aims to provide more convenient access to various digital services and exclusive content. Aligned with the ‘Youth’s Choice Smartphone’ proposition, Banglalink is offering 18GB of free data with the ... Read more

Emirates adjudged Best Airline in the World at the ULTRAs 2024 Awards

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Emirates has once again been honored with the title of ‘Best Airline in the World’ at the esteemed ULTRAs 2024 Awards. Recognized by thousands of travelers worldwide, the airline stood out for its outstanding products, innovative services, and exceptional value-for-money experiences. Thierry Aucoc, Emirates Senior Vice President Commercial Operations in Europe ... Read more

Remittance rises in Oct, SOBs log larger share

Business Desk : dhakamirror.com Remittance inflow to Bangladesh increased by more than 21 per cent in October compared with that in the same month in the past year, as expatriates favoured official channels, mainly state-owned banks, following a significant political shift in the country on August 5. Bangladesh Bank data showed that remittance inflows reached ... Read more