Entrepreneurs seek info, research cell
UNB
Entrepreneurs at a dialogue here yesterday suggested setting up an Information and Research Cell at the Industries Ministry to help build a stronger industrial sector in the country, reports UNB. They said issues like establishing such important cell need to be incorporated in the new industrial policy as many entrepreneurs rush for similar industries for lack of adequate statistics and researches on industries. The entrepreneurs said the cell, if established, will help provide information and required guidelines to the new entrepreneurs through conducting sector-wise researches. The International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC,B) hosted the dialogue titled Industrial Policy of Bangladesh at the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).
Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu attended the event as the chief guest. Industries Secretary Md Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan spoke as a special guest at the programme held with ICC, B President Mahbubur Rahman in the chair. Special Assistant to a former caretaker government on Industrial Affairs Mahabub Jamil, former FBCCI Presidents AK Azad, Mir Nasir Hossain, DCCI former President Asif Ibrahim, former AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh) Aftab-ul-Islam, international expert on industrial policy Dr Tawfiq Ali, Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) President Matiur Rahman and leaders of various trade bodies took part in the discussion. Senior Assistant Secretary of the Industries Ministry M Salim Ullah made a presentation highlighting various aspects of the draft industrial policy 2015. Speaking at the seminar, the Industries Minister said the government will finalise the new Industrial Policy taking opinions of the stakeholders into consideration. This policy will help create an industry-friendly environment in the country. Amu said the government is focusing on manufacturing industries instead of assembling industries. The industries minister said the governments policy support continues for sustainable industrial growth across the country. He also mentioned that the government does not have any objection over reopening closed mills and factories under public-private partnerships. Earlier, the entrepreneurs laid emphasis on specifying the responsibilities of other ministries concerned in the new industrial policy, and stressed stronger coordination among them. They sought steps for bringing down bank interest rate to a single digit on industrial loan, provide one-stop services and ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supplies for industrial units in the country. The entrepreneurs also suggested the Industries Ministry to play its due role in addressing the core issues for rapid industrialisation in the country.
