Kazi Rafiqul Alam, Managing Director of Trust Group and a celebrated global entrepreneur, delivered a compelling speech at the 5th United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) held in Qatar. In his address, Mr. Alam highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable development journey and emphasized the critical role that private sector businesses have played in driving the nation’s rapid economic progress.

Speaking before an audience of global policymakers, business leaders, and development experts, Mr. Alam reflected on Bangladesh’s transformation from a least developed country to one on the cusp of middle-income status. He attributed this progress to public-private partnerships, the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladeshis, and the country’s increasing focus on agro-based industries, technology, and e-commerce.

“Bangladesh is a testament to how a developing nation, powered by resilient private enterprises and strategic government support, can achieve sustainable economic growth,” Mr. Alam said during his speech. “The private sector has been at the forefront of this transformation—creating jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to socio-economic stability.”

Mr. Alam also stressed the importance of inclusive growth, urging governments, development institutions, and investors to focus on capacity-building programs for young entrepreneurs and small businesses. He underscored that emerging economies need greater access to international financing and technology to unlock further development opportunities.

As a board trustee of Trust University and an advocate for youth entrepreneurship, Mr. Alam called for collaborative efforts to equip the next generation with the skills needed to lead their countries into the future. He further praised Bangladesh’s commitment to green business practices and digital transformation, which are paving the way for sustainable development.

The conference, which brought together representatives from 46 least developed countries and international organizations, served as a platform to share success stories and discuss actionable strategies to reduce poverty and promote prosperity across these nations. Bangladesh was highlighted as a model of resilience and growth among LDCs, thanks to its vibrant private sector and evolving infrastructure.