Research Paper: Diagnostics for Urban Poverty and the Social Security Needs of the Urban Poor in Bangladesh
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey on behavioral aspects of the beneficiaries of Mother and Child Benefit Programme (M&CBP)
About the project
Partner:The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).Project duration: February 2023 – August 2023.
Bangladesh's trade and development relationship with the European Union (EU) has been crucial over the past decades, with nearly half of Bangladesh's exports going to the EU. Utilizing trade preferences under the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, Bangladesh's merchandise exports to the EU registered a steep rise from just US$2 billion in 2000–01 to $23.2 billion in 2022–23. The EU has also been a significant source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Bangladesh. Between 2017 and 2021, net FDI from EU nations into Bangladesh totalled $3.5 billion. However, Bangladesh's reliance on EU trade preferences is facing challenges due to various factors such as forthcoming graduation from the least developed country (LDC) group, other countries' trade agreements with the EU, the EU Green Deal, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance. Against this backdrop, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), with support from the FES Bangladesh, has undertaken a major study that assesses the emerging issues affecting Bangladesh-EU relations. The principal objectives of this project are to develop evidence and informed inputs that can provide a basis for further policy discussions (including post-LDC transitions, GSP+ provisions, preparations for carbon measures and compliance, as well as other trade policy options) and to sensitise the policymakers about the relevant and emerging issues (e.g., environmental, social, and governance factors including compliance and labour issues) that are critical for a transformed trade and economic partnership with the EU.
Project activities
Workshop: Findings sharing on Bangladesh's export diversification to the EU and Data Journalism
On 17 September 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh, and Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) jointly organised a workshop. In the event, Dr Shamsul Alam, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, was present as Chief Guest.RAPID Chairman Dr M A Razzaque delivered the keynote presentation on “Findings sharing on Bangladesh's export diversification to the EU and Data Journalism” and Dr M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director, RAPID, delivered his welcome remarks.
Media coverage
The Financial Express The Business Standard The Daily Star NEWAGE The Business Post Channel 24 EkattorTV Independent TV
Technical Dissemination: Exploring Export Diversification Opportunities in the EU
On 11 September 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh jointly organised a technical dissemination. In the event, H.E. Mr. Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was present as Guest of Honour. Mr Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.RAPID Chairman Dr M A Razzaque delivered the keynote presentation on “Exploring Export Diversification Opportunities in the EU” and the event was hosted by Dr M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director, RAPID.
Media coverage
The Financial Express The Daily Star NEWAGE The Business Standard
Seminar: 50 Years of EU-Bangladesh Partnership: Charting Ahead on A Legacy of Success
On 14 March 2023, Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh jointly organized a seminar. In the event, H.E. Mr. Charles Whiteley, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was present as Guest of Honour. Dr Mashiur Rahman, Economic Affairs Adviser to the Honourable Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The interactive session on " 50 Years of EU-Bangladesh Partnership: Charting Ahead on A Legacy of Success” was conducted by Dr M A Razzaque (Chairman, RAPID) and the whole event was hosted by Dr M Abu Eusuf, Executive Director, RAPID.
Media coverage
The Financial Express BanglaNews24 Bonik Barta Independent TV