The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday asked for regular monitoring to see the outcome of the already-implemented and under-implementation recommendations of Bangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF) formed to help enhance economic growth through maintaining suitable business environment through public-private partnership.

The CA, also chairperson of the BBBF formed last year, made the suggestion chairing the fifth meeting of the public-private business forum at the CA's office.

The five working groups under BBF have so far made some 250 recommendations of which 113 were endorsed by the Better Business Forum. Of the approved recommendations, 52 have already been implemented while the rest are in different stages of implementation.

Among the recommendations already implemented are Reconstruction of National ICT Task Force, setting up National Skill Development Council (NSDC), increasing amount of financing and facilities in small and medium sector, establishment of SME service center, expansion of tax holiday in industrialization, rationalizing import duty and reducing bandwidth and other charges on internet services.

It was informed at the meeting that the working groups concerned would introduce necessary monitoring system with the help of BBF secretariat. Board of Investment office provides Secretarial services to BBBF.

At the meeting, members of the committee and businessmen discussed electricity, gas, coal policy and real-estate affairs and suggested lifting coal through quick implementation of the Coal Policy to meet the growing demand for fuels.

The CA called upon the BBF working groups for becoming more active and directed implementation of the recommendations quickly. In this regard, he instructed strengthening the BOI through recruiting more manpower for the board.

Regarding electricity and gas, Dr Fakhruddin said the government has taken appropriate steps to meet the shortage of gas. It was the first time BAPEX was financed to make it an independent institution.

"It is not possible to solve easily problems of fuels without adjusting the present price of gas," he was quoted by an official handout as saying.

He informed the BBF meeting that work for formulation of a new Broadband Policy Guidelines is at the final stage, aiming to make broadband easy available and cost-effective across the country.

Soon an ICT policy will be finalized under the National Skill Development Council, the head of the caretaker government said and called for more investment in this sector.

Regarding National Housing Policy, he said this sector has immense contribution to the national economy. There is no debate in principle regarding the policy guidelines. "Even then, discipline will have to be brought back in this sector for protecting the interest of clients."

Special Assistant to CA for Power and Energy Prof M Tamim, the Cabinet Secretary, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, secretaries of different ministries concerned and presidents of FBCCI, MCCI, ICC and DCCI were among others present at the meeting.