iDE Bangladesh brings businesses together to boost inclusive market growth

International development organisation iDE Bangladesh brought together private sector partners in Dhaka to explore investment opportunities, promote market-based innovations and expand economic opportunities for underserved communities.

The meeting, held at Sheraton Dhaka, featured 17 exhibition stalls showcasing products, technologies and services in agriculture, water and sanitation, renewable energy, nutrition and climate-smart solutions.

Leading businesses and organisations, including Grameen Danone Foods, Bayer CropScience, RFL, ACI PLC, Lal Teer Seed, NRBC Bank, SMC and SafePad Bangladesh, participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering, iDE Global Chief Executive Officer Reed Andrew Peterson said low-income communities should be recognised not only as recipients of development assistance but also as consumers, producers and entrepreneurs with significant economic potential.

Drawing on his recent visit to Cox's Bazar, Peterson highlighted how market-based approaches could help businesses reach underserved populations through locally adapted products, last-mile distribution networks and shared investment.

The initiative forms part of iDE's broader ambition to empower one million entrepreneurs worldwide by 2035.

iDE Bangladesh Country Director Sameer Karki stressed the importance of private sector collaboration in developing commercially viable solutions for rural and low-income communities.

He outlined opportunities for joint ventures, co-investment and product innovation under the organisation's Private Sector Engagement Strategy.

Representatives from major companies, including RFL, SMC, NRBC Bank, Bayer CropScience and Lal Teer Seed, also shared perspectives on business partnerships, market development and sustainable growth.

The event underscored the growing role of private sector partnerships in expanding access to essential products, services and livelihood opportunities among underserved populations.

iDE, a global non-profit organisation, works with businesses, entrepreneurs, governments and development partners to strengthen inclusive markets and create sustainable income opportunities for people living in poverty.