Industrial policy should be reformed to facilitate business: Kama

State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder on Thursday underscored the need for reformation of export-import, banking and industry policies for the betterment of the local industries.

He also called upon concerned authorities of all banks to disburse loan from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced stimulus package for the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSME).

On April 5, the prime minister unveiled a Tk 20,000 crore stimulus package for the CMSME amid the evolving situation of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kamal Ahmed came up with the call while virtually addressing a programme on “Industrialised Bangladesh and Dream of Bangabandhu.”

Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) organised the programme marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“We will have to adopt tax structure, prioritising overall interest of the local industries. Special incentives will have to give to the local entrepreneurs to encourage them for increasing export volume,” he said.

He also called upon the authorities concerned to provide loan to the small and medium entrepreneurs through Bangladesh Institute of Small Industry and Cottage (BISIC) and SME Foundation.

He also stressed the need for intensifying skill improvement activities of the entrepreneurs through Bangladesh Industrial and Technical Assistance Centre or BITAC.

Kamal Ahmed also asked authorities of all banks across the country to be proactive in controlling the defaulted loan.

“Our government is working with an aim to set up industries based on local raw material all over the country,” Kamal said adding that infrastructural development will be ensured after acquiring non-cropped land in the country for setting industries.

Remembering role of Father of the Nation, the industry minister said, after the country’s independence, Bangabandhu took an initiative to nationalise all industries across the country for the welfare of the workers.

He (Bangabandhu) also introduced BKSAL to unite the nation and to turn Bangladesh into a peaceful and prosperous country, Kamal continued.

Kamal Ahmed’s views, Dr Mohammad Farasuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank in his speech, said the father of the nation had given importance to industry sector alongside the agriculture to create employment opportunities and to eradicate poverty.