The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The 'SouthAsia Enterprise Development Facility of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Advisory Services for South Asia, has introduced stakeholders to the cluster development approach at a seminar on 'Light Engineering Clusters in Bangladesh', on Thursday at a local hotel in the city.

Various local and international entrepreneurs have participated in the seminar, which focused on the use of cluster approach for economic growth and employment generation. It also highlighted best practices in other regions, which could be replicated in Bangladesh, encouraging Bangladeshi stakeholders to develop their own cluster program.

The seminar coincided with the release of a map of 'Light Engineering Clusters in Bangladesh' that highlights the extent and geographical distribution of the engineering activities in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, various participants elaborated the cluster development, which has emerged as an important factor in helping countries. According to them, this change has initiated transition from developing to developed in many countries. But as a matter of fact, a little has been done so far to pave the way for such development in Bangladesh.

"If we address our priorities in a focused manner, Bangladesh's Light Engineering cluster can be on a path to greater competitiveness," said Advisor for the Ministry of Industry, and chief guest of the occasion, Geeteara Safiya Choudhury, in her letter of address. She, however, reminded the participants that the GOB has declared the Light Engineering sector as a Priority sector in the new Industrial policy, 2005. It has given a special emphasis on policy strategies for development of SME. The government, in particular the Ministry of Industry, is an important agent in energizing the existing industrial clusters, she added.

As a Ministry, said Geeteara S Choudhury, we will contribute by considering clusters in the policy making process. "We can provide budgetary support to cluster development initiatives," she proposed.

However, our public institutions such as Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation can be earmarked for specific cluster development roles, she ended.

Presenting the IFC SEDF report on Engineering Clusters, Mukesh Gulati of Micro and Small and Medium Enterprises Foundation (MSMEF) said, about 48 clusters had been identified across Bangladesh of which 27 are in Dhaka and its suburbs. These clusters have an annual turnover of Tk5151 crore and employing 89632 workers, he added.

"If supported suitably, these clusters possess the potential Bangladeshi industries into the ranks of advanced nation," said President IFC, SEDF in his address.

Among the participants in the seminar, Issa Mansouri, Advisor ISIPO, Government of Iran, Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, GOI, RCM Reddy, CEO, IL&FS Cluster Development Initiative Ltd., India addressed and shared their practical experiences of implementation.