Abstract
LightCastle Business Confidence Index (BCI) in 2017-18 has been found to be +43 on a scale of -100 to 100 – implying a cautiously optimistic sentiment. This score is 4 points higher than that of last year. The study aims to gauge business sentiments of private sector players representing a variety of industries across the economy. This year, a survey of 102 C-Suite level executives – across 12 industries spanning 2 major cities: Dhaka and Chittagong – was conducted to assess the factors that influence the overall direction and growth trends of the economy. This index is particularly interesting in the context of our country’s shift towards a middle income status. The report aims to understand the factors that influence the business ecosystem through a collection of facts, figures and opinions of our business community. It presents the status quo, identifies the challenges confronting growth and recommends action items to lever up the index in the coming years.
