Star Report

Marla Llvanos Cattaui, Secretary-General of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), feels that a private-public partnership Is Important to help Bangladesh adapt modern marketing methods and boost the country’s image.

It is Important for the Bangladesh to be present in all international forums to voice Its concerns on global Issues rather than being a bystander In International trade matters, she observed.

Talking to a select group of Journalists yesterday. Cattaui agreed that Bangladesh has an attractive Investment policy and Incentive regime.

"But what it now needs Is to put these to practice. This would require diminishing of unnecessary measures for doing business in the country. For example. bureaucracy is a difficulty here. It needs to make sure that the Judiciary is updated and not overloaded," she said.

"But the most difficult investment barrier is probably infrastructure like telecommunlca tion, energy, power and port."

The ICC is also working

toward improving Bangladesh’s image and the ICC-UNCTAD Investment guide is a step toward that. Cattaui said.

It is a credible partner for the United Nations, which represents all types of companies. So. this guide will reduce the information gap that exists about Bangladesh. For Image Improve menl, both local businessmen

and the government have to work together.

Regarding ICC’s role in negotiating crucial issues in the WTO. she said her organisation has been Ihslsting that the WTO Implement all the agreements on lime.

"We have shown concerns about the abusive use of antidumping measures, not only by the developed world, but also by the developing countries. We are also concerned at non-tariff barriers," Cattaui said.

"The developing countries should not be afraid of a new round of trade talks. But at the same time. It is absolutely important for the South countries to gel themselves prepared for the next round. But we have io be careful that what has already been accomplished should not be harmed.”

She strongly felt that Issues like human rights, labour standards and environment should be kept out of the purview of WTO and should be matters of appropriate International forums and organisations. This will help reduce the burden of WTO.