PM urges businessmen to use solar power in offices
National export trophies distributed

FE Report

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday urged the business community to use solar power in their offices to reduce pressure on the national grid.

She said the country has enough gas but it needs to be properly surveyed and explored, and the government has taken steps in this regard.

"We have taken steps to increase power generation but it takes two to three years to make a plan. In this period the business houses can set up solar panels in their offices to get electricity," she said at the national export trophy distribution ceremony in the city.

Opex Group became the top exporter in 2005-06 financial year while Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited became the top exporter for 2006-07 and 2007-08.

The government has taken steps to increase regional trade and is working to create liberal and less regulated investment climate, she said.

"Private sector will be the driving force of the commercial activities and it will get infrastructure facilities and institutional support," she added.

It is the responsibility of the private sector to produce goods and export and the government will play the role of the facilitator, the prime minister said.

The country is suffering from gas, power and infrastructure problems due to inconsistent policies, she said.

"Whenever a government changes, the policies change and this (change) hampers the development process," she added.

Political stability and unhindered continuation of policies are needed for the development of the country, she asserted.

"We added 700 megawatt of power in the last 14 months but it is a drop of water in a sea as the demand is growing faster," she added.

The Prime Minister said the government added 200 million cubic feet of gas in the last 14 months and by 2012 it would add another 550 million cubic feet to the national grid.

The Prime Minister said exporters should use modern technology to reduce costs and become more efficient in the era of competitive global trade.

"The government is committed to maximum use of e-commerce and modern technology," she added.

She urged the business community to invest in information technology and other lucrative sectors to increase exports.

Expansion of production capacity, better working environment and quality products are a must to maintain export growth in the coming years, Hasina said.

The government has given incentive for export diversification and the interest rate has also come down to 12-13 per cent from 16-17 per cent, she said.

She, however, said there should be harmony between the deposit and lending rates, otherwise, depositors would feel discouraged to save.

Commerce Minister M Faruk Khan said the road ahead is very challenging and the exporters have accepted the challenges.

"The government will provide all-out support to the exporters for their development," he said.

Plans have already been taken to increase institutional capacity and infrastructure facilities, he added.

"The export target for the current year has been set at $17.6 billion (1,760 crore) and I hope that the resilient exporters have the ability to reach the goal," Mr Faruk said.

Information technology, ship building, jute, leather and leather goods and other sectors are very prospective and investors should invest in those areas, he said.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Annisul Haq said the government should increase the capacity of Board of Investment (BoI) and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

"In 1990, the BoI had 495 staff but now it comes down to 118," he said adding, "EPB manned by 285 staff in 1990 but now employs 277."

Trade and export increased many times in the last two decades but the institutions, which provide support to entrepreneurs gradually become sick, Mr Annis said.

"It is the high time to invest in the institutions so that they can give better service to the business community," he added.

The FBCCI cautioned that if the government does not take steps to set up special economic zones immediately, the flow of foreign investment is likely to dry up.

"For setting up industry, entrepreneurs need lands and the government should provide the same without any hassle," he pointed out.

Mohammad Ghulam Hussain, secretary (in-charge) of commerce ministry, and Mohammad Shahab Ullah, vice-chairman of EPB, spoke on the occasion.

The Prime Minister handed over crests and certificates to best exporters of the country under three categories - gold, silver and bronze.