“Bangladesh’s economy largely depends on RMG, textiles, foreign remittance and agricultural productions. But to ensure sustainable economic growth after the country’s graduation from the group of LDCs, we have to lessen our dependence on those and instead focus more on potentially viable sectors like light engineering, agro-based industry, halal products, blue economy and leather goods,” he said while addressing the 33rd BCI annual general meeting (AGM) at its office in the city.

The BCI president said the volume of global market for light engineering is $7 trillion whereas Bangladesh exports only $319.4 million.

Similarly, the global market for agro-processing products is $1.6 trillion while Bangladesh exported only $908 million in 2018-2019 fiscal year.

The chamber has already taken initiatives to create new entrepreneurs and develop micro and small industries apart from putting emphasis on light engineering and agro processing industry, Parvez said.

He further informed that BCI has already had a successful meeting with all the district chambers of Rangpur division and also with the Bangladesh Agro-Processors' Association (BAPA) and Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners Association (BEIOA).

The BCI intends to hold similar meetings with all district chambers of Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions in the coming months, the BCI chief said.
The participants highlighted different issues like VAT, tax, bank interest, one-stop service and problems related to export and import and sought help from the chamber in this regard.

The BCI president assured that he will take necessary initiatives to resolve these issues.     

Former BCI Presidents Mostofa Azad Cowdhury Babu and Shahedul Islam Helal, Senior Vice-president Md Helal Uddin and Vice-president Priti Chakraborty apart from directors and general members of BCI were present.

The meeting had an in-depth discussion on fixed agenda, including audit report for 2018-2019.