Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the prime minister on the finance and planning ministries, highlighted the importance of distinguishing between graduation and sustainable graduation for least developed countries (LDCs). Speaking at the LDC-Green Industrialisation Facilitation (LDC-GIF) Mechanism Introduction and High-Level Dialogue held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, he emphasized that the process of graduating from LDC status should enhance rather than limit a country’s development trajectory.

Titumir noted that despite graduation, many countries continue to confront significant structural challenges and limited productive capacity. These difficulties are further exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, disruptions in supply chains, trade uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and various domestic shocks. He argued that to ensure a smooth and irreversible transition, graduation must be accompanied by robust measures that promote industrialization, integrated development strategies, energy transition, and job creation.

The adviser called for enhanced financial resources, technological assistance, and capacity-building support tailored to the specific needs of LDCs. He also pointed out that technology transfer to these countries remains insufficient relative to their requirements. Titumir expressed optimism that the newly established LDC-GIF mechanism could play a critical role in accelerating the transfer, deployment, and application of technology. In addition, the mechanism aims to bolster productive capacities, facilitate structural transformation, and contribute to a sustainable and lasting graduation from the LDC category.