The country's wage earners' remittances have been showing a steep rise over the past few years with the highest increase In fiscal 1993-94.

— According to the Bangladesh Bank statistics, remittances rose by 15.75 per cent during the July-May period of 1-993-94 as against the corresponding period of the previous year.

During the July-May period in 1993-94. the a remittances stood at 1902.64 million US dollars as against the previous year's 944 million dollars.

In FY 1991-92. the remittances totalled 848 million dollars and the amount was 764 million dollars in 1990-91.

On the other hand, the foreign exchange reserve of the country as of July 23.1994 stood at 2724.44 million dollars. 47 million dollars less than that in the previous month. The figure was. however, 580 million dollars

higher than that In July. 1993.

The Imports during the July-May period in 1993-94 increased by 127 million dollars to 3523.80 million dollars over the previous year's im-ports.

The exports during this period of 1993-94 also showed an increase by 180 million dollars over that of the previous year.

Trade in terms of commodity has been rising over the last few years, according to the Bangladesh Bank statistics. While the country's import price index has been increasing. the export price index has been decreasing, putting It in a disadvantageous position in international trade.

The export price index with a baseline of 1979-80, was 95 70 in 1987-88. 92.60 in 1988-89 and 95.60 in 1989-90. It. however, rose a little to 101 90 in 1990-91 but went down to 98.00 In 1991-92. 96.60 in 1992-93 and was 96.60 also in 1993-94.

The import price index was 91.40 in 1987 88. 97.20 in 1988 89. 103 In 198990 107 40 In 1990 91. 104.40 in 1991-92. 107 60 in 1992-93 and 110.80 in 1993-94.

The commodity terms of trade index with the same baseline was 104.70 in 1987 88, 95.30 In 1988 89 , 92.80 in 1989-90, 94.90 In 1990-91, 93.90 in 1991 92. 89 80 in 1992 93 and 87.20 in 1993-94.