Economic Reporter :
The newly appointed Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Tuesday said that highest emphasis would be given to raise the country’s export earnings to US dollar 50 billion by 2021.
“I want to work sincerely to expand trade and commerce, generating new employment and attracting more investment. Highest priority will be given to raise the country’s export earnings to $50 billion,” he said.
The minister was addressing a press conference at the temporary office set up on the Dhaka International Trade Fair premises in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
Commerce Secretary Md Mofizul Islam and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Bijoy Bhattacharjee were also present.
Tipu Munshi said they would work to fetching more FDI, ensure diversification of products, generating new employments and ensuring region-wise development.
“There is already an export target of $50 billion where RMG will play the major role with its high growth. Pharmaceuticals are also doing well and we will work to fulfill our target,” he added.
The commerce minister said that the government would also consider setting up cold storage in Mymensingh to capitalize the huge fisheries production in that region while plan is also there to ensure optimum utilization of agricultural production in Rangpur.
About the ongoing movement by the RMG workers to increase their wages, he said, “New salary structure is going to be introduced in this month and whenever there is any new thing, objections come. We’ve discussed the matter with the RMG factory owners yesterday……….hopefully we will find out a better solution,”
The 24th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF-2019) begins tomorrow at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, adjacent to Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), in the city.
A total of 550 stalls and pavilions including 60 premium pavilions, 38 premium mini pavilions, 20 reserved pavilions for women, 26 foreign pavilions, 18 general pavilions and 22 food stalls will be set up in the fair venue.
Different organisations from India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Nepal, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives, Mauritius, Russia, Iran and Swaziland are participating in the fair.
