Pvt sector must foster sustainable biz models for growth: Debapriya

A more inclusive approach to sustainable business models should be taken, leading towards its extension beyond exporters and its integration into the entire value chain, to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, has said.

Speaking at a discussion titled "National SDG Report (VNR) 2025: Perspective of Business Leaders" in Dhaka, on Tuesday, Debapriya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), pointed out that for the private sector to embrace sustainable business models, there is an urgent need to improve the investment climate in Bangladesh.   He highlighted several key issues, including financing, energy supply, logistics, labor conditions, technology, and policy-related obstacles, which should be addressed to enable the private sector to align with sustainability goals.

He said, "The private sector cannot thrive in an environment where policy frameworks are inconsistent and regulations are burdensome.
 "The government’s support is critical, but entrepreneurs must also embrace the sustainability mission. Furthermore, trade bodies, which have been politicised in recent years, must regain their credibility to truly support sustainable practices."