The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bird flu costs poultry industry Tk 4,165cr

BUSINESS REPORT

Country's poultry industry has incurred a loss of over Tk 4,165 crore due to avian influenza outbreak, according to a joint study.

The study has been conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and five organizations associated with the country's poultry sector.

In order to meet the losses, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the poultry industry owners have sought loans at 2-3 per cent interest from banks and financial institutions.

It is learnt that some Tk 13,000 crore have been invested in the poultry sector. Of the amount, Tk 6,000 crore were taken from banks as loans. The country's 17 other industries and as many as 65 lakh families are closely dependent on the poultry sector. As a result, losses in this sector would badly affect other sectors of the economy.

Officials at the Department of Livestock said the study was carried out to determine the losses in the poultry sector so that the government could take proper rehabilitation measures. Poultry owners would be provided compensation. Banks have been requested to provide loans at easy interest rates. Besides, the government will seek necessary supports from the donor agencies.

The joint study was carried out by Poultry Breeders Association, World Poultry Science Association, Poultry Industries Association, Animal Health Association and Egg Producers Association. As the government representatives, Anisur Rahman, joint secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and Chief Livestock Officer Dr Mosaddeque Hossain were associated with the study to determine the estimated losses.

The study found that the worst affected sector was commercial broiler chickens. Broiler chickens worth Tk 700 crore (Tk 20 each) and white eggs worth Tk 718.20 crore (Tk 1.25 for each egg) were completely destroyed.

Besides, broiler chicks worth Tk 350 crore (Tk 10 for each chick), Layer chickens worth Tk 383 crore (Tk 20 for each chicken) and golden eggs worth Tk 181.68 crore were totally destroyed.

"This loss has hit the rural economy which had earlier faced the devastation of cyclone Sidr and twin floods. Let's be conscious, rather being panicked," Dr Jahangir Alam, director general of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) said.

Alam asked for government help to ensure bank loans at 2-3 percent interest for the agriculture and poultry farmers to save the sector.

Experts suggested creating awareness to encourage people to consume poultry items and save the country's about Tk 13,000 crore industry, which employs about half a crore people and provide protein at cheaper price.

According to the study, avian influenza does not transmit from human to human, while the disease also does not spread vertically; it does not transmit from eggs. Besides, properly boiled chicken does not contain the virus, experts said.

Bird flu or avian influenza, which broke out in March last year, became devastating early this year forcing thousands of farms closed and tens of thousands jobless.

The fresh blow also caused about 50 percent slump in consumption of poultry items and a pause in the new farming initiatives with hatcheries selling the day-old chick three times lower than the production cost.

"We are hit hard. This loss has eaten up about 40 percent of our investment," said Md A Saleque, general secretary of World Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh and also head of BRAC Agro Industries.

"So far, we have not found any human case of Avian Influenza in Bangladesh," said Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, a physician at the Suhrawardy Hospital.

Rafiqul stressed bringing change in the behavioural pattern of the people engaged in the slaughtering or cooking of the poultry birds.

Dr Md Mansurul Amin, who teaches Microbiology and Hygiene at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, said the avian influenza virus could not survive under high temperature. He, however, suggested the government ensure a proper diagnosis of the poultry diseases.

"There is similarity in the symptoms of avian influenza with other diseases. So it is essential to have a different diagnosis arrangement for the diseases to save the unnecessary culling of the birds. It causes unwarranted loss for farmers," he said.

Moshiur Rahman, general secretary of the Breeders Association of Bangladesh, blamed lack of monitoring of the massive outbreak of the disease.

Dr Abdus Sattar Mandal, who teaches at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, said there is nothing to worry, as human body is not afflicted with avian influenza easily.

He, referring to the fall in consumption of poultry birds, hoped that it would be picked up in the next couple of months.

Citi firm to strengthen microfinance industry

BUSINESS REPORT

Microfinance stakeholders attending a three-day gathering in Dhaka will be the first to benefit from newly launched training materials that are part of a capacity-building program by Citi (Citigroup Inc., the parent company of Citibank, N.A Bangladesh), the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC) and the Banking with the Poor Network (BWTP). This groundbreaking regional microfinance initiative will share best practices in establishing partnerships and strategic alliances between microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulators, donors and private enterprises that will, in turn, help to expand the reach and range of microfinance services delivered to the poor in Bangladesh.

Following a symposium yesterday, a two-and-a-half-day training workshop began with about 35 microfinance practitioners from various microfinance organizations in Bangladesh. The workshop is designed to develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to create partnerships and alliances in the microfinance sector. Potential MFI partners could include government bodies, other non-profit organizations (NGOs) or private sector companies such as retailers, telecom operators and large financial institutions.

The workshop will also share industry best practices related to the development of new microfinance products such as insurance and pensions, and educational materials.

Mamun Rashid, Managing Director and Citi Country Officer, Bangladesh said, "Developing sustainable partnerships between microfinance providers and relevant parties is key to expanding the range of microfinance products and services available. And Citi through its several community initiatives in Bangladesh and worldwide is committed to strengthening the microfinance industry to help uplift the poor out of poverty." Craig Wilson, Executive Director, FDC, said: "This program builds on Citi's existing strong support of microfinance in the region and the BWTP's greater involvement in Asia. Importantly, this program helps to take microfinance into new territory.

New partnerships within the microfinance industry will help introduce new technology such as mobile phone banking and diversified products. Partnerships can also help improve social service delivery, for example, financial literacy or community education, helping poor beneficiaries to make better choices."

Md. Shafiqual Haque Chowdhury, Founder and President of Asa, one of the largest and most successful microfinance institutions in the world, added, "We would like to take the leadership role and also request others to bring innovation to the microfinance industry in the form allowing equity ownership which will allow mobilizing deposits in turn become sustainable and think of going for a sustainable track record in the country and globally."

The symposium and workshop are part of a US$570,000 grant given by the Citi Foundation to FDC and BWTP to expand the provision of microfinance services across 10 Asian countries including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The two-year program is focused on promoting public-private partnerships and industry best practices to help Asian MFIs build their capacity to reach more microfinance clients.

A key outcome of this program is a comprehensive set of training materials on 'Capacity Building for Partnerships in Microfinance' which have been developed and tested with over 160 microfinance practitioners in New Delhi, Colombo and Jakarta, and have also been subjected to rigorous peer review and technical editing. The completed materials will be introduced at a series of workshops in Asia, starting in Dhaka, and also being made available via the BWTP website: www. btwp.org. They will eventually be translated into multiple languages, including Bangla, for free distribution to members of the BWTP Network and others who may be interested in applying new skills and approaches to the development of partnerships for microfinance providers.

As part of the Citi, FDC and BWTP regional microfinance program, the Asia Microfinance Forum 2008 will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam on August 26-29, 2008. This follows the successful inaugural Asia Microfinance Forum held in Beijing in 2006, and will bring together over 250 local and international delegates from banks, regulatory bodies and microfinance networks to promote constructive dialogue, connect potential partners from the private and public sectors, and showcase international best practices to benefit the Asia microfinance industry.

FDC has an established record and commitment to improving the outreach and efficiency of financial

services to the poor. The BWTP Network is the leading pan-Asia microfinance network with a diverse

and inclusive membership of stakeholders involved in the financing, regulation and delivery of microfinance to the poor.

Citi supports the microfinance sector through a combination of philanthropic and commercial initiatives. Citi is one of the world's largest corporate donors to the microfinance sector. The Citi Foundation has contributed nearly US$60 million in funding to support 250 microfinance institutions, microfinance networks and microenterprise programs in 55 countries. In Asia alone, the Citi Foundation has committed more than US$17 million in funding for microfinance-related programs since 1997.

Holcim holds Retailer Meet in Comilla

BUSINESS REPORT

The leading cement manufacturer of the country, Holcim (Bangladesh) Ltd has recently organized a retailer meet at Hotel Noorjahan, Comilla.

About 350 Holcim's retailers from Comilla town, Chand pur, Lauximur, Feni and various adjacent than as of Comilla district attended this Retailer Meet.

Holcim treats retailers as their channel partners who contribute towards the overall growth of the company.

In this Retailer Meet, Niaz Uddin Mahmood, GM- Customer Care, Holcim (Bangladesh) Ltd, welcomed all the retailers and expressed satisfaction over the supports and feedback they have put for the company.

As a token of recognition of continuous supports from the retailer's part, Holcim presented various gift items among best sales performers. Jashim Uddin khandaker DGM - Customer Care gave a brief presentation to the retailers about the future business plan of Holcim.

In this Retailer Meet, Holcim's existing district dealer Mis. Siddique Traders has been declared as Premium Dealer of Holcim for Comilla region. Masudul Hasan Rana, Territory Officer of Holcim and Ms. Farhana jointly imoderated the program.

57 candidates found valid for FBCCI polls

BUSINESS REPORT

Fifty-seven candidates have been selected for directorship of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

The Election Board of the apex trade body yesterday published the official list of candidates for the biennial election scheduled to be held on March 17. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations for directorships is February 28. On the same day, the election board will publish the final list of the candidates.

The board declared 28 candidates legal from Association Group and 29 from Chamber Group to run for the election.

The board also declared the nominations by each of the seven selected leading chambers and associations legal. These 14 nominated directors are selected and then inducted in the executive committee as director without election.

Earlier, the election board primarily legitimised 52 candidates -- 24 from Association Group and 28 from Chamber Group -- for the election.

The board also rejected nominations of seven contenders earlier. Of the seven, six candidates filed appeal petition and the appeal board gave them nod to go ahead accepting their plea.

Meanwhile, the FBCCI Election Board cancelled voting power of five members from the Association Group following orders from the court and commerce ministry. But, the appeal board declared the five voters legal and requested the election board to keep them in the voter list and following the request the election board decided to keep the five voters in the list.

According to the FBCCI constitution, 24 directors --12 from Chamber Group and 12 Association Group -- are elected through direct voting. The elected and nominated 38 directors enjoy voting rights and also become eligible to contest for the posts of president and vice-presidents of the apex trade body.

Unique Business Systems inks deal with Rishit Computers Ltd

Md. Abdul Hakim, Managing Director, Unique Business Systems and Hasan Mahmud, Director, Rishit Computers Ltd. signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organization. Also present at the signing ceremony were on behalf of Unique Business Systems, Habiba Nasrin Rita, Director Operation, Mahtab Hossain Mithu, Manager Marketing, Shahina Begum, Manager Administration, Shfiqul Islam, System Manager and Tanvir Hossian, Manager Sales, Muhammed Zinnatul Habib, Asst. Manager, PR, Communication & HR of Rishit Computers Ltd. respectively.

The signing ceremony was held at the premises of Unique Business Systems, Head Office on 19th February, 2008. Under the agreement Rishit Computers Ltd. becomes dealer of Unique Business Systems at IDB Bhaban. From now clients will get Hitachi Multimedia Projector, Apollo Overhead Projector, Apollo/Dalite Projection Screen, Reflecta Slide Projector, Rexel Paper Shredder, Rexel Spiral Binding machine & Rexel Laminating machines from Rishit Computer at IDB Bhaban.

Sonali Bank managers’ conference held in Ctg

The Chittagong Divisional Principal Office, Regional Office, Corporate Branch head and the Branch Managers of Chittagong city area of the Sonali Bank Ltd. was held at General Managers Office, Chittagong on 20th Feb-2008. Divisional General Manager M. A. Baten Khan presided over the meeting while CEO/Managing Director S A Chowdhury was present as chief guest. Chowdhury instructed the Head of Office & branches to increase the volume of business in the port city. He gave emphasis on the improvement of customer service. He further gives maximum stressed on recovery of classified loan and quick disposal of suit filed by the bank against default borrower.

On the same day in the evening 5 A Chowdhury the CEO/Managing Director of Sonali Bank Ltd. exchange views with the corporate client, business personalities & elite of Chittagong city in a local hotel. "Sonali Bank Ltd. a Government owned commercial bank now setup one stop service and within shortest possible time the customer service will be up to the mark" Chowdhury said while exchanging views with the dignitaries. General Managers Md. Hanif & M.A Baten khan was also present.

NAVs of eight ICB AMCL mutual funds disclosed

ECONOMIC REPORT

The Asset Management Company Ltd (AMCL), a subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), declared the net asset values (NAVs) of eight mutual funds certificates recently.

The NAVs were based on the market prices at the close of operation that ended on January 31.

The first ICB Mutual Fund stood at Tk 3521.27 on the basis of its face value of Tk 100 and second ICB Mutual Fund at Tk 789.33 against the face value of Tk 100.

However, the third ICB Mutual Fund stood at Tk 719.82 against the face value of Tk 100, fourth ICB Mutual at Fund Tk 868.66 against the face value of Tk 100, fifth ICB Mutual Fund at Tk 951.18 against the face value of Tk 100.

On the other hand, sixth ICB Mutual Fund stood at Tk 323.66 on the face value of Tk 100, seventh ICB Mutual Fund at Tk 498.05 against the face value of Tk 100 and eighth ICB Mutual Fund at Tk 373.99 against the face values of the Tk 100.00.

Benchmark wins ABC Radio communications

BUSINESS REPORT

Benchmark Limited, an affiliate of TBWA worldwide, a leading advertising, marketing communication and event management company, has won the communications of ABC Radio, an upcoming FM station from Transcom Group, in a competitive pitch participated by other agencies. The key responsibilities of Benchmark will be to develop strategic positioning and communication ideas for ABC Radio.

An agreement was signed between ABC Radio and Benchmark at Benchmark office recently. The agreement was signed by Jalal Uddin Akanda, executive director, ABC Radio, and Ashraf Kaiser, managing director & CEO, Benchmark Ltd. Mahammed Jasimuddin, finance manager, ABC Radio, Sanaullah Lavlu, senior journalist, ABC Radio, Ershadul Hamid, senior accounts manager, Benchmark, and Ashok Kumar Das, finance & administration manager, Benchmark, were present in the signing ceremony.

GP’s new tariffs for prepaid customers

BUSINESS REPORT

Grameenphone Ltd has recently introduced two new tariff packages for its prepaid 'smile' and 'djuice' subscribers with an aim to enhance the overall customer experience.

As of February 18, 2008, smile subscribers will enjoy a special 30 paisa/min tariff to call any other Grameenphone number from 12.00 noon to 6.00am while calls to any other mobile will be Tk.1/min during the same period. Additionally, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, smile subscribers can call any other mobile number for only Tk1.50/min. Smile subscribers can also call 3 F&F numbers at only 60 paisa/min at any time.

Djuice subscribers have been extended a special 29 paisa/min tariff, with a 30 second pulse, to any djuice or GP number, from 12.00 noon to 6:00 am, since February 14. Under this special Bashanta offer, djuice subscribers will also be eligible for a 500 SMS bundle offer for only Tk. 10, excluding VAT; the bundled SMS offer is available until March 14, 2008 and will be valid for one month from the date of purchase. The SMS bundle offer, however, is only valid for djuice to any GP number and may only be purchased once during the entire campaign period. With these new promotional offers, Grameenphone will serve its prepaid subscribers, the country's largest prepaid subscriber family, with not only an attractive night-time tariff but also value for money tariff during the day-time.

Meanwhile, the company also signed an agreement with a major medical services partner to extend its post-paid subscribers with attractive discounts for select health screening packages.