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Private sectors to be provided logistic support |
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News |
June 26, 2000
Dhaka (UNB)- Commerce Minister Abdul Jalil reaffirmed the government’s commitment to provide the private sector adequate logistic support to help it vigorously act as the engine of growth and survive global challenges.
“We’re at your disposal… We’ve much more sincerity than any other government in the past to promote private sector-led growth,” the minister told FBCCI leaders, who felicitated him and placed a package of demands and post-budget recommendations at the Federation Bhaban today.
The Commerce Minister also inaugurated the website of FBCCI, linking it to the global automated trade regime.
Jalil hinted that the tenure of the committee for sick industry affairs would be extended further.
“I have requested the Finance Minister. The tenure may be extended,” he told the business leaders, who repeated the demand for extension.
The minister however said there has not yet any decision on principle to bring cases of above Tk 50 lakh under the committee’s jurisdiction.
Regarding proposal for decontrolling sugar price and allowing more import, he said the government would like to proceed cautiously considering the interest of local sugar mills.
A leader of Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association said, domestic sugar production averages one lakh tons annually against requirement of around 6 lakh tons.
Government allows only 1.5 tons import while the rest smuggled into the country causing revenue loss of Tk 200 crore to the exchequer, he added and suggested to allow import of 5 lakh tons that will bring down the price to Tk 15 per kg from Tk 34 now.
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Abdul Awal Mintoo listed various problems faced by businessmen in their day-to-day affairs.
Leaders of various chambers and associations demanded removal of 2 per cent VAT at retail sales, reduction of duty on import of paper and some pathological reagents and compressors.
They demanded CIP status for chamber leaders and representation of chamber leaders’ in district coordination committees.
Jalil advised the apex body to summarize their proposals in a concrete form to take up with the Finance Minister before the new budget is passed on June 29.
They demanded grants for the FBCCI and district chambers to help them represent the business community more effectively.
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