The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry has recently demanded that the government of providing new gas connections to the factories on a priority basis and take immediate steps to facilitate more power generation.
 
FBCCI president Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed placed the demand before commerce minister GM Quader during a courtesy call on the minister at the latter’s secretariat office.
 
He also urged the minister to form a crisis management cell consisting sector experts under the commerce ministry so that the cell could negotiate effectively during crises, such as problems regarding the generalised system of preference or any other problem concerning international trade and export.
 
‘The country’s economy is stagnant at present due to gas and electricity crisis,’ Akram said.
 
In absence of new gas connection and inadequate electricity, the manufacturing sector is incurring severe losses, he said, adding that such situation had frustrated the local entrepreneurs.
 
Foreign direct investment is also being discouraged, he added.
 
Akram also suggested that the minister should establish a coordination cell for readymade garment sector under the ministry so that all the problems related to the sector can be solved from one point.
 
At present, entrepreneurs need to go to different ministries to solve different problems, he added.
 
The apex trade body also stressed diversification and expansion of markets, especially in Brazil , South Africa , Taiwan , China and Russia , to boost export.
 
They also called on the ministry to strengthen banking ties with the north-eastern states of India , Myanmar and Russia in order to increase export.
 
FBCCI first vice-president Monowara Hakim Ali, vice-president Helal Uddin and other directors were present at the meeting.