📷 CZFB CEO Pere Navarro, in an archive photo– David Zorrakino – Europa Press
Dhaka summit calls for sustainability as core business imperative
The Sustainability Summit 2026 in Dhaka, hosted by Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative, brought together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to address sustainability’s role in corporate strategy. Marketing expert Philip Kotler called for a shift from low-cost production to innovation and sustainable value creation to remain competitive. This aligns with broader observations from global business forums where companies are reframing sustainability as a driver of growth rather than a cost center, reflecting patterns seen in sectors such as clean energy and sustainable packaging.
“Businesses must move beyond low-cost production models and focus on innovation, productivity and sustainable value creation to remain competitive.”
– Philip Kotler,
Why this shift matters for global competitiveness
Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the least developed country category adds urgency for exporters to adopt responsible business conduct and sustainability reporting. Global buyers are increasingly weighing ESG performance, transparency, and supply chain traceability alongside price and quality. Similar trends are emerging in markets facing new environmental regulations, such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which pressures industries to integrate sustainability into operations to maintain market access.
From compliance to competitive edge: what’s next for business
Summit panelists agreed that embedding sustainability into core operations can improve resource efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen resilience. Industry analysis shows that in areas with clear returns—such as clean energy adoption or packaging innovation—companies continue to advance sustainability despite political or cost challenges. This convergence of regulatory, market, and operational drivers is shifting sustainability from a peripheral agenda to a central competitive lever.
Source: msn.com
