Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Md Sameer Sattar on Saturday said running businesses while preserving employment opportunities will be the biggest challenge for Bangladesh in 2023.

Speaking at an event titled “Meet the Press 2023” held in the capital’s DCCI Auditorium, Sameer said, “Amid overall economic crisis, the government has hiked the prices of gas and electricity ignoring pleas from businesses, which poses another challenge for us.

“Decisions taken single-handedly should not be implemented. Consultation with stakeholders is very important before increasing prices of such key utilities. How can we be sure that we will get sufficient supply after paying high prices of gas and electricity?”

Sameer disclosed a good number of policy advocacy on different sectors, including CMSMEs (cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises), skill development, export diversification, private investment and FDI (foreign direct investment), LDC graduation and economic diplomacy.

He is optimistic that the policies will be implemented within this year.

Sameer underscored the need for developing a comprehensive policy framework to ease the terms and conditions for availing the “Credit Guarantee Fund.”

“We must focus on technology transfer and capacity building for digital engagement of CMSMEs,” he pointed out.