Vision 2028: Transforming FBCCI into South Asia’s Most Influential Apex Chamber
Sakif Shamim :
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), as the central representative body of Bangladesh’s private sector, has long served as a critical platform for business advocacy, industrial growth, and policy dialogue. Representing more than a hundred chambers, hundreds of trade and industry associations, and various joint international business forums, FBCCI has evolved into the collective voice of the country’s private sector. Against this backdrop, the core objective of Vision 2028 should be clear: transforming FBCCI from a nationally significant institution into a truly influential apex chamber within South Asia’s regional policy and trade landscape.
The urgency of such transformation has become increasingly evident within the current global and regional economic context. According to World Bank data, Bangladesh has grown into an economy of nearly USD 450 billion, with a significant rise in per capita income, elevating the nation’s commercial capabilities and market potential. At the same time, World Trade Organization data indicates that Bangladesh’s trade structure is becoming deeply integrated with global supply chains, reinforcing the importance of business-friendly policy frameworks, logistical efficiency, and institutional coordination. In this environment, the real power of an apex chamber lies not only in member services but also in its capacity to shape national economic strategies and influence policy decisions.
FBCCI already stands on a strong foundation. The institution actively participates in policy consultation with the government and contributes to discussions aimed at improving the business climate. Its engagement with international trade organizations and regional business platforms has created a promising base for future regional leadership. However, maintaining traditional institutional structures alone will not be sufficient to achieve regional prominence. The next phase requires data-driven leadership, strategic transformation, and restructuring FBCCI into a technology-oriented institution capable of meeting contemporary economic challenges.
The first step toward realizing Vision 2028 should be the establishment of a strong policy intelligence framework. Successful chambers across South Asia are no longer limited to opinion-based advocacy; they produce policy recommendations grounded in research and data analysis. If FBCCI can regularly publish analytical reports on ease of doing business, investment risk, tax structures, and export competitiveness, its policy influence will increase significantly. Bangladesh still has room for improvement in global ease of doing business. indicators, and data-driven recommendations in this area can directly contribute to more effective policy formulation.
Equally essential is building stronger regional connectivity centered on South Asia’s vast market of nearly two billion people. Despite this enormous market size, intra-regional trade remains limited compared to its potential. By establishing permanent business connectivity platforms with regional chambers and facilitating regular joint trade dialogues and supply-chain collaborations, FBCCI could help position Bangladesh as a regional manufacturing and trade hub. In such a scenario, FBCCI would emerge as a crucial bridge connecting economies across the region.
Another critical pillar is improving logistics efficiency and trade competitiveness. The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index shows that Bangladesh’s score remains at a moderate level, indicating substantial room for improvement in infrastructure and trade management. Similarly, UNCTAD’s shipping connectivity index highlights opportunities to increase efficiency in international trade operations. If FBCCI takes a leadership role in facilitating joint policy discussions between government and private sector stakeholders on port efficiency, customs modernization, and digital supply-chain systems, the impact on national competitiveness could be transformative.
Digital transformation must also remain central to Vision 2028. FBCCI has already introduced the idea of “Chamber 4.0,” emphasizing technology-driven business services, automation, and skill development. Turning this concept into reality requires the development of integrated digital member platforms, data-driven trade insight systems, and international B2B connectivity frameworks. Such technology-enabled transformation would not only improve institutional efficiency but also create a distinct regional identity for FBCCI as a forward-looking apex chamber.
International brand positioning is another equally vital dimension. Influential apex chambers maintain visible participation in global economic dialogues, investment summits, and international business forums. Initiatives such as the Bangladesh Business Summit should therefore be expanded further to attract stronger regional and international engagement. Through these efforts, FBCCI can move beyond representing national business interests and become an active participant in shaping the economic future of South Asia.
At the foundation of this entire transformation lies institutional governance reform. Sustained influence cannot be achieved without long-term strategic planning, expert-driven policy development, and research-backed decision-making processes. Since its establishment in 1973, FBCCI has accumulated invaluable historical experience; the time has now come to integrate that legacy with modern research methodologies and strategic foresight.
Ultimately, Vision 2028 should not be viewed as a slogan but as a practical roadmap for institutional transformation. If FBCCI can collectively advance five strategic pillars—data-driven policy leadership, regional connectivity, logistics efficiency, digital transformation, and international branding—the organization has the potential to emerge as one of South Asia’s most influential apex chambers within the next few years. As Bangladesh’s economy continues to grow rapidly, a modern, strong, and internationally connected FBCCI will not only represent business interests but also become a key partner in shaping the economic future of the region.
Economist
Managing Director, Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre
Deputy Managing Director, Labaid Group
