The New Nation - Internet Edition

Mashiur Rahaman

Various export items have witnessed significant growth in export earning during last couple of months. More new and traditional items, which were considered less potential, are gradually joining the group of profitable export items for Bangladesh.

According to the export performance report of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), a total of 14 items have shown significant growths in export earning compared to the record of their previous year. Moreover, five items, out of 14, have already crossed over their strategic export targets, set for the year, the EPB statistics showed.

Led by Petroleum by product exportable items like agricultural products; tea, ceramics and other primary commodities have shown significant growth in export and exceeded their export targets during July-February period in current financial year.

During the period, export of petroleum by-products reached at $98.55 million, successfully exceeding its targeted $61.09 million, set for July-Feb period of 2007-08 FY. Strategic export target for this particular product was set at $95million for the whole year.

It recorded 55.32 per cent growth in July-February period, comparing with export earning during the same period in 2007-08FY.

Similarly, export of agricultural products recorded $83.39 million export earning, crossing its targeted $64.31 million. Tea product recorded $12.6 million in place of $5.12 million target. Export of ceramic products also crossed its $22.51 million strategic export target, which reached $25.09 million, EPB record shows.

The exports of knitwear, woven garments, home textile, raw jute, jute goods, terry towels, electronic, other manufacturing goods and chemical products also recorded higher growth over the same period of FY07 but fell short of their targets. Despite the fact that their growth rate failed to meet their strategic target, but their comparative year-to-year gain was impressive, said experts.

According to the quarterly statement by the central bank, the growth of exports exceeded the double digit (11.3 per cent) during the July-February period of FY08.

This is due to high export growth achieved during January-February period of Q3 FY08, which increased sharply by 35.1 per cent over the same period of FY07.

On the other hand, exports of handicrafts, computer services and bicycle recorded declines over their corresponding July-February FY07 levels as well as fell short of their targets.