http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=72271
Manufacturers urge govt to protect local industry
Local manufacturers yesterday urged the government to help increase the number of industries and reduce the import of finished goods, which can ultimately safeguard the local industry.
The demand was raised when a delegation from the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) met Industries Minister Dilip Barua at his office yesterday.
The delegation also demanded immediate steps to remove the bureaucratic hassles that new entrepreneurs face when they come to invest in any sector, and to develop a business friendly environment.
“We need proper directions and support from the government for the on-going development of our local industry,” said Shahedul Islam, president of BCI. “The government needs to inform all its offices and agencies to provide all out support to the entrepreneurs.”
“The government needs to reduce dependency on imported products and services and further strengthen local industries, such as pharmaceuticals, essential commodities, aluminum and bakery products,” he added.
He also stressed strengthening the Bangladesh Standard Testing Institute (BSTI) for ensuring the quality of locally produced products.
Barua assured the industry people that the government would take immediate measures for the betterment of the local industry.
“We have no alternatives to industrialisation. We have to make Bangladesh modern and prosperous by 2021,” he said.
“The government’s attitude is also important. We have to notify our countrymen clearly whether we are to industrialise the country or make it a market place for foreign products,” he said. “We are dedicated to the first option.”
The minister said the government would take every necessary step to develop the local industry, including taking immediate steps to reduce bureaucratic hazards and corruption in different sectors.
He also said the government considers formulating a new industrial policy, which would help attract both local and foreign investment, create more employment and improve the economic condition of the country.
SM Shahab Uddin, vice president, and Priti Chakraborty, director of the chamber, were also present at the meeting.
