Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday said the industrialists should come up with good projects to accelerate the country's Industrialisation process, reports UNB.

"Government is encouraging the financial banks to lend money for good projects ... industrialists should exploit this opportunity to ensure the rapid industrialisation of the country." he said.

The Minister was addressing a reception accorded to him by Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) on his election as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of World Bank and IMF at the seminar room of BCIC Bhaban.

BCI President A M Subld All and Vice-President Sharif M' Afzal Hossain also spoke while a number of industrialists focused on various problems of the industrial sector.

The Finance Minister said the country's industrial sector should pick up by utilising the incentives and facilities provided by the government In Its new policy measures.

Referring to the allegation that the banks ffre reluctant to

lend money, Rahman said the nationalised commercial banks "are more or less lending money to the Industrial sector. But, It is alleged that nobody, other than the owners, can borrow from the private banks.''

About the high rate of inter est. he said the banks had al ready reduced their lending rates by 2 per cent in last few months. We are also encouraging them to reduce the interest rate further." he said urging the bankers to make the banks cost-effective by Improving their services.

Referring to the new credit scheme for the voluntarily retired officials of government, semi-government and autonomous ' organisations, he said it will facilitate them to invest in the industrial sector.

Rahman called upon the industrialists to cooperate with the government in ensuring speedy development of the country. We. the Bangladeshis, not only the government, but also the industrialists and bankers, have to work together to attain a self-reliant economy .' .