Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina poses with the recipients of the National Export Trophy for fiscal 2013-14, at the inaugural ceremony of Dhaka International Trade Fair 2017, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Dhaka International Trade Fair, announcing leather as the “product of the year” for 2017.
ACCOLADES FOR TOP EXPORTERS: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hands over National Export Trophy for fiscal 2013-14 to top exporters, at the inaugural ceremony of Dhaka International Trade Fair 2017, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka Hasina urged the businesses and exporters to stay updated on the changing regime of global trade. WTO rules are making the global trade more liberal, Hasina said.
“So, Bangladeshi products should maintain global standards to sustain in the world market.” The premier also distributed the National Export Trophy for fiscal 2013-14 at the inauguration of the trade fair, at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.
She distributed 28 gold, 22 silver and 15 bronze medals among the exporters for their success in exports during fiscal 2013-14. The commerce ministry and Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau have been organising the fair for 22 consecutive years.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry and Chief Whip of the opposition party in parliament Tajul Islam Chowdhury attended the function as special guests.
Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Hedayet Ullah Al Mamun and President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers and Commerce and Industry Abdul Matlub Ahmad also spoke. She urged the entrepreneurs to come forward with innovative ideas, knowledge and qualitative strategy to diversify their products of global demand. “You have to explore markets for commodities in parts of the world and produce those items according to their needs.”
Hasina said her government was providing 2 percent to 20 percent cash incentives for export and a fund of $2 billion has been created to support the garment and plastic goods sectors.
“The National Export Trophy is being awarded every year to encourage the exporters. Land has been allocated for the proposed international-standard convention centre in the new Purbachal town. The centre will open by 2019.”
Hasina said the online system has been introduced for the registration of joint stock companies and the EPB is issuing certificates digitally in an effort to make business and exports easier.
“Smart Office Management has been introduced to the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports and import certificates are being issued within two days.” Bangladesh has ratified the WTO’s trade facilitation agreement to expedite trade with foreign countries, she said. She said her government has attached utmost importance to the private sector to promote trade and investment in the country. “The private sector has emerged as the main driving force of the country’s economy. But this sector has a big responsibility for expediting the pace of development,” she added.
The private sector has to work for the development of the people of the country taking the opportunities provided by the government, the premier said.
The industries should not solely aim at exporting goods, she said. “Local markets must be created for goods as well.” The government will award National Export Trophy to 66 export companies for the financial year 2013-14. According to the gazette notification, Zaber and Zubair Fabrics Limited won the gold trophy for the third consecutive year as the best exporter company in the FY 14.
Of the 66 companies, 28 have been selected for gold trophy, 22 for silver and 15 for bronze. Twenty-eight gold trophy winning companies are Zaber and Zobaer Fabrics, KM Knitwear Ltd, GMS omposite Knitting Industry Ltd, Kamal Yarns Ltd, Paramount Textile Ltd, Noman Teri Towel Ltd, Apex Foods Ltd, Popular Jute Exchange Ltd, Akij Jute Mills Ltd, Apex Tannery, Picard Bangladesh Ltd, FB Footwear Ltd, Mansur General Trading Company, Pran Agro Ltd, Rajdhani Enterprise, Karupanna Rangpur, Bengal Plastic, Far Ceramics, BRB Cables, Marine Safety System, Square Pharmaceuticals, Service Engine Ltd, Universal Jeans, Shasha Denims, Montrims Ltd, Gazi Enterprise, Mir Telecom and RR trade Syndicate.
Zaber and Zubair Fabrics would get one more gold trophy for the highest export earnings in FY 14.
Twenty-two silver trophy winners are Apparel Gallery, Square Fashions, Badsha Textile, Envoy Textile, Unilience textile, Hossain Dying and Printing, Seamark Ltd, Janata Jute Mills, SAF Industries, RMM Leather, Bay Footwear, Agri Concern, City Sugar, Capital Enterprise, BD Creation, Bengal Plastic, Pratik Ceramics, BSRM Steels, Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Jeans- 2000, Uniglory Papers and Farm Fresh.
Fifteen bronze winning enterprises are Interfab Shirt Manufacturing Ltd, Fakir Knitwear, Mosharof Composite, Noman Weaving Mills, Jalalabad Frozen Foods, Karim Jute Spinners, Akij Footwear, Heritage Enterprise, Pran Foods, Helal and Brothers, Durable Plastics, Monnu Ceramics, MI Cement, Beximco Pharma and Pacific Jeans.
“Exporters should not run after few countries for GSP facilities. Better you should find markets in another place.” Bangladesh is looking for accelerating its present 7.11 percent growth, she said.
Bangladesh’s per capita income is more than $1,466 and in the coming days it will increase, according to Hasina.
Last year’s export volume, despite global meltdown, was $34.24 billion which was $10.5 billion in 2005-06, she added. Hasina said she strongly believes that Bangladesh would emerge as a middle-income country on the world economic map by 2021 based on a solid foundation made by private public partnership.
