Bangladesh has huge potential for export of agro-processed food products, the lack of world-class testing labs is hindering entrepreneurs from exporting, said FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin on Thursday.
He called upon authorities of the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI) to set up an international standard testing lab to harness the potential of the sector.
The FBCCI president made the call at a discussion meeting organized by BSTI on the occasion of World Standards Day-2021.
Speaking as the special guest, he said that this will make it easier to achieve the goal of becoming a developed country as per Vision-2041.
In the country, BSTI mainly formulates standards for agriculture and food, chemicals, jute and textiles, electrical, electronics and engineering products.
The FBCCI Chief said that in order to build a healthy, prosperous and strong nation, it is important to set standards in all sectors including health, education, financial sector, tourism, hotel-restaurant, communication and transport. The theme of this year's World Standards Day is " Shared Vision for a better World -Standards for SDGs." Citing this theme, Md. Jashim Uddin emphasized on improving the quality of land services and education in line with world standards in building a prosperous Bangladesh.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has left many countries behind in terms of social security, poverty alleviation and other socio-economic indicators.
Mentioning that Bangladesh is ahead of many countries in the world in terms of Standardization, the FBCCI boss said, "Bangladesh will be able to achieve SDGs within the stipulated time if it can ensure international standards in every good and service."
However, it is necessary to implement standard practice based on UN prescribed 5 P-People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership, he added. Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present in the meeting as the chief guest, held at BSTI Office, Tejgaon in the capital. Expressing a positive attitude towards the FBCCI President's call, the Minister assured to take initiative to set up world class labs in the country. Zakia Sultana, Hon’ble Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Director General of BSTI (Grade-1) Dr. Md. Nazrul Anwar were also present at the meeting.
