Empowering Cox’s Bazar: A New Era of Sustainable Tourism and Local Economic Development in Bangladesh

Published on November 23, 2025

Recently, Cox’s Bazar Municipality became the centre of a groundbreaking project designed to support sustainable tourism growth and strengthen the local economy. “Local Economic Development and Sustainable Tourism Growth”, a regional campaign and training programme, was organised with the dual goals of bolstering local economic practices and encouraging eco-friendly travel. This important event provided a forum for talks about creative solutions, best practices, and developing public-private partnerships—all of which are crucial for the region’s future.

More than 200 people attended the event, including officials from nearby towns like Maheshkhali, Teknaf, and Chakaria. Leaders from the private sector, female entrepreneurs, young people, and media professionals were among the varied attendees. The goal of this joint endeavour was to boost regional economies while keeping sustainability at the forefront.

Key Highlights of the Event

The inauguration of the programme was a major milestone, officiated by a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives. The event brought together distinguished figures such as administrators and government officials, who highlighted the importance of sustainable development in the region. Among the key speakers were individuals responsible for various governmental departments, including the General Economics Division, the Economic Relations Division, and the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division.

The event was presided over by the Administrator of Cox’s Bazar Municipality, and attendees were given an in-depth look at the progress made through the PRABRIDDHI initiative. This programme, which is instrumental in driving the municipality’s economic development, focuses on enhancing digital services, improving tourism-related infrastructure, and streamlining municipal management processes.

The Role of PRABRIDDHI in Enhancing Local Economies

The PRABRIDDHI initiative, which has already shown promising results in Cox’s Bazar, was a central theme of the event. The municipality’s progress, particularly in terms of tourism facilitation and improved service delivery, was showcased during the seminar. Notably, the partnership between private-sector organisations like Turtle Venture, AIT, and DIPTI, and the municipality, highlighted how collaboration can result in tangible benefits for local businesses and communities.

One of the core features of PRABRIDDHI is its focus on improving the local digital ecosystem and fostering entrepreneurship. By doing so, the programme aims to establish a sustainable business environment, empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive and contributing to the economic development of the region. Participants were encouraged to explore these models and replicate them in their own municipalities.

Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Regional Economic Development

A crucial aspect of the event was the emphasis placed on sustainability and the integration of climate-responsive strategies. Special guests at the event acknowledged the importance of incorporating long-term sustainability measures into municipal development plans. Waste management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green technologies were discussed as essential components of local economic development.

Additionally, experts underscored the necessity of designing public–private partnerships that can offer not just short-term solutions but long-lasting growth models. The event also highlighted the growing importance of integrating sustainability in the tourism sector, especially in regions like Cox’s Bazar, which is home to one of the longest natural sandy beaches in the world.

The development of a Municipal Capacity Index (MCI), designed to measure and enhance municipal performance, was discussed as a key tool in improving local governance and driving economic progress. By setting clear indicators for performance, the MCI ensures that municipalities can track their progress and allocate resources more efficiently.

Swisscontact’s Role in Advancing Municipal Leadership

Swisscontact, a leading international development organisation, also played a key role in advancing the region’s sustainable development goals. Working in over 40 countries, Swisscontact’s contribution to the PRABRIDDHI initiative was recognised as an essential part of Cox’s Bazar’s progress. The organisation focuses on improving local governance, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the overall business environment, which is in line with Cox’s Bazar’s goal of fostering an inclusive growth model.

Interactive Sessions and Training for Municipal Leaders

In addition to the seminar, the event also included a hands-on training programme aimed at equipping municipal officials and private-sector representatives with the necessary tools to address local challenges. The two-day training covered various aspects of local economic development, such as identifying economic opportunities, mapping out potential challenges, and crafting actionable strategies for local growth.

Participants engaged in group work and practical sessions, which gave them the opportunity to design Local Economic Development (LED) plans tailored to the specific needs of their respective municipalities. The training was instrumental in enhancing the participants’ capacity to make data-driven decisions and implement effective strategies that would benefit their communities.

Exhibition Showcasing Local Development Achievements

Alongside the seminar and training programme, an exhibition was held to showcase the achievements of Cox’s Bazar Municipality and its partners. The exhibition featured various development initiatives, including municipal services and digital platforms that streamline processes such as trade licence renewals and tax payments. Attendees were also provided with demonstrations at the One-Stop Service Booth, which highlighted the municipality’s efficient and user-friendly services.

These initiatives are a testament to Cox’s Bazar Municipality’s commitment to improving local services and fostering a business-friendly environment. Such efforts are vital in supporting sustainable tourism growth, which can play a major role in the region’s economy.

The Future of Local Economic Development in Bangladesh

Government representatives, development partners, and local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to spreading effective local economic development models throughout the nation as the regional campaign came to an end. The objective is to duplicate the successes observed in Cox’s Bazar in other Bangladeshi districts, with an emphasis on promoting public-private cooperation.

Both local companies and the tourism sector have a bright future thanks to PRABRIDDHI’s successful initiatives and the region’s focus on sustainable growth. With sustained efforts, the area can serve as a model for local economic growth and sustainable tourism throughout the nation.

The lessons learnt in Cox’s Bazar will be crucial in influencing the future of regional economies and the tourism industry as Bangladesh proceeds with its plans to extend LED initiatives to other districts.