Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has called for stronger investment, innovation and global partnerships to drive sustainable industrialization in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as he led a four-member Bangladesh delegation to the 11th Ministerial Conference of LDCs in Riyadh on Saturday.

Speaking as a panelist in the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue titled “Shaping LDCs Industrialization Agenda: Investment, Innovation and Partnership,” the Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s progress towards graduation from LDC status and emphasized the “three zeros”—zero carbon emission, zero unemployment and zero poverty.

He said Bangladesh is moving toward smart manufacturing and deeper value-chain integration in line with the National Industrial Policy 2022, but noted that increased investment, innovation and partnerships remain crucial for inclusive and sustainable growth in LDCs.

He also underscored the central role of SMEs as the backbone of industrial development and a strategic priority for sustainable economic transformation.

The conference, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and hosted by the Government of Saudi Arabia, was held under the theme “Driving Inclusive Industrialization in LDCs: Investment, Innovation and Partnerships.” It brought together ministers from LDCs, ambassadors, permanent representatives and private-sector partners.

Adilur also served as Vice Chairman and moderated the informal session on the Ministerial Declaration, which will be adopted at the 21st Session of the UNIDO General Conference from 23–27 November in Riyadh.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNIDO in Vienna, Toufique Hasan, also attended the conference as a member of the delegation.