The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) will soon go for automation of its trading system to cope with the Increasing volume of trade.

Some foreign firms have already contacted the DSE offer Ing their consultancy services for the changeover to a computerised system.

The DSE has asked them to come up wit), proposals and negotiate with the donors for mobilising funds for the mod ernisation, the sources said

Birla Technical Services of India. Dukes Associates

International of UK. Citi Corp Inc of USA and a UK-US based Bangladeshi firm — United Management and Trading Services Ltd— have offered their services to the DSE so far.

Khurshkl Alam. Chairman of the country's solitary bourse, when contacted yesterday, said automation of the trading system has become inevitable in the context of the increased volume of trade In the capital market. However, the automa tion would be done In phases because the staff of the stock

exchange.

Would need time to adjust to the new system, he said. Recruitment of new staff and their training will have to be ensured before starting automation of the trading system, he said.

Khurshid Alam said the DSE had already earned the confi dence of the people, which is being reflected in the recent spurt of trading on its floor Automation would Increase the confidence further, he said.

He said the scope of manipulating the outcome of the

dealings would also be removed through automation.

With computerization the transparency-of the capital market would increase further. This, In turn, would help the market forces to operate under a free market economy, the DSE Chairman explained.

About 40 foreign investors have purchased the shares of leading companies listed with the DSE. in recent months, thereby increasing the market capitalisation to over Tk 3500 crore, he added.