The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORT

A business meeting between the members of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and AmCham India was held to identify potential business sectors and expanding existing businesses.

KN Memani, President AmCham India with his 24-member delegation interacted with the DCCI business entrepreneurs. Jon F. Danilowiczs, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America, Sudhakar Dalela, Counselor (E&C), High Commission of India and Syed Ershad Ahmed, President, AmCham Bangladesh were present in the meeting. Hossain Khaled, President DCCI chaired the meeting. A MoU was signed between the DCCI and AmCham India after the meeting to explore more businesses.

Memani, in his speech, mentioned that they were almost ignorant about the availability of skilled IT-based human resources and strength of private sector of Bangladesh. Referring to several meetings, which they attended so far during their short stay in Bangladesh, he said there are tremendous opportunities to go for joint business and investment.

He said Bangladesh and India has long historical, cultural and social relation, the key issues lies in confidence building and for this relation between industry-to-industry, government-to-government contacts have to be strengthened.

Memani said, "Both the governments and trade groups should work together to exploit the huge investment opportunities."

He said with the change of global mindset, both the chambers of the two countries should work together. They are very much positive in this respect, he added.

Hossain Khaled, referring to the number of incentives and liberal FDI policies, requested to invest in the IT sector and other potential sectors.

He said, "Establishment of an ICT R&D Centre in Bangladesh similar to that of IBM R&D in India, China, Philippines, Malaysia and even Nepal could be very helpful for Bangladesh."

The DCCI President informed that there is cost-effective skilled manpower who are intelligent and intellectually superior, and at the same time dedicated and sincere.

Jon F Danilowiczs also spoke on the occasion and expressed his willingness for facilitating private sector to develop farther.

Sudhakar Dalela said Indian economy has been growing from the present 9 per cent to 10 per cent annually.

He emphasised the need for strong connectivity in respect of road, rail, waterways as very important component for development of trade and joint businesses.

Syed Ershad Ahmed said that the delegation visited Export Processing Zones of Bangladesh and was satisfied with their infrastructure. If anybody is interested to set up joint business in the EPZs can express their willingness.

A Aziz, MD Leads Corporation, said India as the 'most powerful member of SAARC and big brother can do a lot for the other members who are relatively weak.'

Referring to a statistics of NASCOM, he said India will run short of IT manpower soon, which could be mitigated by Bangladesh's young IT graduates as at the moment Bangladesh has huge manpower in this sector.

Among others, DCCI Past Presidents M H Rahman, Benajir Ahmed, RM Khan, former Director Attiqu-e-Rabbani, Ms Luna Shamsuddoha, Convener, Women Entrepreneurship took part in the discussion and pointed out several issues for Bangladesh-India and US-based businesses in Bangladesh.