The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Industries Minister Dilip Barua on Sunday Said the government would formulate a coordinated industrial policy soon to attract local and foreign investment in the country.

"The government will extend all possible assistance to the local and foreign investors for the sake of the national interest," the minister gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) at his office. IBCCI president Matlub Ahmed led the delegation.

He said the government would give priority to the industrialization alongside trade and commerce to strengthen country's economical foundation.

"In this case, the government will give special importance to the local raw material-based small and medium scale industries," Industries Minister Dilip Barua said requesting the entrepreneurs, alongside the government, to come forward in discharging their social responsibilities for country's sustainable economic development.

The chamber delegation said the IBCCI has been working for reducing the massive trade deficit between Bangladesh and India.

They also drew attention to the Industries Minister for establishing a separate EPZ for the Indian investors in Ishwardi or any other suitable site ot inspire the Bangladeshi entrepreneurs apart from Indian ones in joint investment.

Earlier, the Minister had a meeting with all level officials and employees of the Ministry and said the government would formulate an industry-friendly coordinated industrial policy soon to implement the "Vision 2021", announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He gave an assurance of protecting the interest of the labourers alongside the investors in the new industrial policy.

Dilip Barua also informed the meeting that the government has made an arrangement of storing 14.58 lakh metric tons of Urea fertilizer against the demand of 12.10 lakh tons in the current IRRI-Boro season.

High officials of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), Bangladesh Institute of Small Industry and Cottage (BISIC), Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), National Productivity Organisation (NPO), Patent design and Trade Marks Directorate, officials and employees of the Ministry attended the meeting.