The Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) Phase-II and the Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) project documents were signed today at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in the Capital by the UNDP and the ERD.
The documents were formally signed by Stefan Liller, resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of ERD, on behalf of their respective organizations.
TEPP II will be supported by the UK Government and run from January 2026 to March 2028 with a total budget of roughly USD 3.57 million.
According to a UNDP press release, it will improve trade negotiation skills, evidence-based policy analysis, institutional reforms, and investment climate processes through the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), strengthening Bangladesh’s trade and investment policy ecosystem to support a competitive post-LDC transition.
ISPAT will be implemented between January 2026 and June 2027 with an Australian government-supported budget of US$1.06 million.
In order to promote NGO monitoring and involvement in national development initiatives, the project will modernize and strengthen the NGO Affairs Bureau through the use of digital platforms, increased transparency, and gender-responsive service delivery. It will also reform policies and build capacity.
Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky highlighted, “These initiatives reflect our commitment to a holistic approach to institutional strengthening-building capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering evidence-based policymaking. Through these projects, we aim to develop confident, capable institutions and professionals who can effectively support good governance and Bangladesh’s economic transformation, particularly during the post-LDC transition.”
Stefan Liller said, “These two projects are highly strategic and catalytic, strengthening the institutions and policy ecosystems that underpin Bangladesh’s economic transformation and governance reforms. Working closely with government and development partners, UNDP is committed to supporting nationally led, forward-looking reforms that will deliver long-term impact.”
The signing of these two projects reaffirms the close collaboration between the Bangladeshi government, UNDP, and development partners in promoting transparent, technology-enabled, and citizen-centric service delivery, bolstering public institutions, and advancing the nation’s economic transition.
It is anticipated that TEPP II and ISPAT will be crucial in promoting competitiveness in the private sector, strengthening governance frameworks, and aiding Bangladesh’s advancement toward the Sustainable Development Goals.objectives (SDGs).
A K M Sohel, additional secretary and wing chief (UN), ERD; Md. Daud Miah ndc, director general (Additional Secretary) of NGO Affairs Bureau; Md. Muzib-Ul-Ferdous, director general (Additional Secretary) of BIDA; Mohammad Khairul Alam, deputy chief (Export Wing) of the Ministry of Commerce; Syed Haider, first secretary and head of Development Cooperation, Australian High Commission; Asif Kashem, senior program manager of the Australian High Commission; Anowarul Haque, assistant resident representative of UNDP; and Sheela Tasneem Haq, senior governance specialist of the UNDP, graced the event along with representatives from the ERD.
