Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Sunday said the government will take all-out move to further enhance investment, employment opportunity and safeguarding the local industries for ensuring overall growth.
Adilur was exchanging views with a delegation of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) at Shilpa Bhaban, Matijheel in
the capital.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Zakia Sultana was also present on the occasion.
BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury (Parvez) briefed Adviser about the chamber's activities. While addressing, Industries Secretary assured that the ministry would work collaboratively with other ministries to resolve the concerns and expressed interest in working closely with BCI where possible.
During the meeting BCI President highlighted the current challenges in the industrial sector, particularly the ongoing energy crisis involving gas and electricity.
He emphasized that disruptions in industrial production could adversely affect other sectors, especially services and agriculture.
Chowdhury brought attention to several pressing issues, including the continuous rise in bank interest rates, complexities with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) regarding HS codes, difficulties faced by factory owners in paying salaries due to closures, and the escalating
cost of living.
He stressed the importance of organizing industrial fairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, maximizing the potential for exporting halal products from Bangladesh, and granting BCI permission for halal certification.
Chowdhury called for joint efforts to update training curricula and equipment needs to address the shortage of skilled labour in the industrial sector, particularly in light of the impending graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
He urged the adviser to take necessary measures to safeguard the interests of industrialists amid the current challenging circumstances.
The meeting was attended by senior BCI officials including Vice Presidents Priti Chakraborty and Mohammad Yunus, Directors Dr. Delwar Hossain Raja, Zia Haider Mithu, Shah Alam Litu, Khair Miah, Md Selim Jahan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Secretary General Dr. Md Helal Uddin, and officials from the Ministry of Industry including Additional Secretary Mohammad Salauddin and Md Salim Ullah.
