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Economic growth govt’s highest priority


Published : 05 Jan 2021 08:19 PM | Updated : 05 Jan 2021 08:21 PM

Reducing poverty, increasing more jobs and economic growth and prosperity are the most priority tasks for the government, said minister for foreign affairs Dr. A K Abdul Momen. 

He also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all Bangladesh missions abroad will help DCCI's endeavors to attract FDI and trade. The government has been able to handle the balance of live and livelihood under the able leadership of the Prime Minister.

 Minister was addressing the inaugural session of “1st DCCI Business Conclave 2021” organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Tuesday.  

Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Md. Sirazul Islam joined as special guest. In this 3-day conclave 227 companies from 10 countries will meet for 176 B2B match-making. 

"This business conclave organized by DCCI will connect us with the foreign business partners and uphold our efforts in strengthening bilateral and multilateral business paradigm in a win-win situation", Foreign Minister added.  He also said that by the next month Bangladesh may be able to come out of LDC status. Bangladesh is now a lucrative destination for investment in the SAARC and South Asian region. 

He also said that “We believe connectivity is productivity”. The Minister urged upon for skill development especially in the SME sector. Lastly he informed that in MOFA has established a new wing to deal and coordinate with all trade and investment issues. DCCI President Rizwan Rahman delivered address of welcome in the opening session.

He said as the global economy gradually endeavors alleviating COVID induced crises, Bangladesh plans trade and investment recovery strategies accordingly.  He also invited entrepreneurs from participating countries in the B2B to reap the dividends of accelerated economic growth of Bangladesh investing in promising manufacturing sectors. 

This international business conclave will deepen economic ties of Bangladesh and participating economies and will facilitate manifold trade and investment opportunities for Bangladesh as well as partner countries, he added. 

Md. Sirazul Islam, Executive Chairman, BIDA said the economy of Bangladesh is recovering despite of prevailing Covid-led pandemic time. Domestic market demand, export and remittance increased remarkably during the covid time, he said. Amid the pandemic Bangladesh earned USD33.67 billion through export in 2019-20. 

"Bangladesh is ready for the review for LDC graduation in 2021, he added. The Business conclave will rejuvenate the trade and investment in the country as well as will create confidence among the foreign investors", he added.

 He invited foreign investments in the sectors like ICT, pharmaceutical, footwear, agriculture, ship-building, light engineering and jute products. The Chairman said Matarbari deep sea port will transform the investment landscape of Bangladesh. 

Chairman, BUILD Abul Kasem Khan said Covid19 affects all of us. At present we need to focus on job creation, sustaining businesses especially SMEs, expansion of trade and ensuring safety ofthe vulnerable people. 

He said Bangladesh is now the 3rd fastest growing country in the world and fastest in Asia that is because of timely initiatives taken by the government. Unemployment will be the biggest threat in the new normal situation in the globe, he apprehended. 

Shams Mahmud, Director and Immediate Past President, DCCI said despite Covid 19 fallout, technology has come up with new reality and innovative ICT backed solutions and we have to embrace the opportunity to cope with the new normal situation. 

In addition, to increase trade and investment and revive the global trading network, we need to diversify our product basket, trade destinations and innovative trading mechanism. 

DCCI Senior Vice President N K A Mobin, FCS, FCA gave vote of thanks. Vice President of DCCI Monowar Hossain, 34 diplomats from home and abroad, more than 200 B2B participants from 10 countries and business leaders also joined the conclave.