B'desh will be among top 30 nations by 2030: PM

B'desh will be among top 30 nations by 2030: PM

B'desh will be among top 30 nations by 2030: PM
FE Report

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Saturday Bangladesh will be the 30th economic power of the globe by 2030.

"We expect that our country will take place among top thirty nations in the world by 2030 if the present trend of growth in export earnings continues," Sheikh Hasina said while inaugurating the 16th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF).

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh earned Tk 8.28 billion during the last five months ending in November adding: "This is over 36 per cent higher than that of the corresponding period in 2009."

The Prime Minister said the government's main objective is to facilitate the country's businesses.

"Doing business is not the job of the government. It is your job. We will assist you," Sheikh Hasina told the business community.

She said her government will continue its all-out efforts so that Bangladesh can increase its contribu tions to world trade, export and investment.

But the Premier reminded the entrepreneurs to take care of their workers so that they can maintain a standard living adding: "We'll give our best support to your noble moves."

"Please take care of the workers who help you earn profits through their hard work. It is my earnest request to you," she said.

She said Bangladesh has become the third largest RMG exporting country in the US market.

Hasina however urged the entrepreneurs to produce quality products for better growth of exports and the economy.

She advised the business leaders to pay special attention to high-value products, newer designs and markets.

The month-long fair jointly organised by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Commerce Ministry - the largest of its kind in the country - is being participated by 13 foreign countries.

The other countries participating in the fair are India, Pakistan, China, Iran, South Korea, Thailand, United States, Turkey, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and United Arab Emirates.

Some 530 pavilions and stalls have been put up at the fair being held at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the city.

Hasina said the present government has finalised a guideline under Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the enhancement of trade and improvement of infrastructure.

She said her government has already set up 33 power projects and 10 more will be installed shortly.

"We've already added 1,000 mw of power to the national grid," she added.

Sheikh Hasina listed a number of steps initiated and being implemented by her government in several key areas like power generation, construction of Padma Bridge, elevated expressway in the capital and easing trade and commerce.

She said the implementation of Padma Bridge will begin in March the next.

The government and the exporters have to come forward with fresh strategies for further expansion of trade and new markets and to build up Bangladesh's capacity to face challenges of the globalisation of trade, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said diplomatic efforts are on to increase export of Bangladeshi products along with attracting foreign investment in the country.

Besides, she said discussions are underway with a number of potential countries including the USA to get duty- and quota-free access to their markets.

Hasina said: "We are working for economic development of the poor by increasing their purchasing power. We want to ensure food security for all."

She said there is no alternative to increasing the purchasing capacity of the common people for a sustainable economy.

Among others, Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Commerce Secretary Ghulum Hussain, FBCCI President AK Azad and EPB Vice-President Jalal Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.

Faruk Khan said businesses should utilise the opportunity of globalisation by expanding market, which has become 'highly competitive'.

The minister also urged businesses to invest in the jute sector, saying that manufacturing and marketing of jute goods should be increased.

The FBCCI president put emphasis on ample supply of gas and power, turning the Dhaka-Chittagong highway into a four-lane one and streamlining the activities of Chittagong Port.

Later, the Prime Minister went round several stalls of the fair. She also opened a stall named "Bangabandhur Sangey Kichhukhan" (Moments with Bangabandhu).