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Don't create artificial crisis of essentials

PM asks traders

BSS, Dluika
Prime Minister Khaleda Zia yesterday urged the traders to refrain from creating artificial crisis of essential commodities through illegal hoarding.
"It is very sad that some traders create artificial crisis of essentials at times to raise the prices despite adequate supply of tire commodities. They should not adopt such a means that goes against national interest and brings sufferings to the people," she told a delegation of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
A 20-membcr DCCI delegation led by its President Fazle RM Hassan called on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at International Conference Centre (ICC) at the Prime Minister's Officcyestcrdayaftcmoon.
Tire prime minister sought cooperation of all to stop smuggling and reduce the country's dependence on import by increasing production ofcssentials.
She underscored the need for political stability and continuity of
the government for uninterrupted development and high national growth.
The DCCI delegation appreciated the leadership of the four-party alliance government for its success in attaininga remarkable progress in economic development.
The business delegation, however. observed that the government's achievement in economic sector could be much more if the country had the political stability.
Political stability, the practice of democracy, making parliament die focal point of all activities and avoidance of confrontation on the street are a must for development, they said adding that the country would not be able to face the 21st century challenges in absence of those.
Referring to some recent political activities, the DCCI leaders lauded the prime minister for withdrawal of her party's student front's programame to lay siege to 'Sudhasadan' to counter a similar programme of the opposition. It proved her political tolerance,
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farsightedness and commitment for welfare of the people, they observed.
Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Adviser of Commerce Ministry Barkatullah Bulu, Prime Minister's Political Secretaries Harris Chowdhury and M Mosaddek Ali and Commerce Secretary were present at the meeting.
Other members of the DCCI delegation included AM Mubashshar, M Abu Horaira, Ahmed Hossain Majumdar, Zillur Rahman, K Atiq-e-Rabbani and AY M Kamal.
The Prime minister told the DCCI leaders that the policies of her government were business-and investment friendly.
"We are giving emphasis on the private sector and trying to increase export and investment," she added.
The law and order has improved much, she said adding that it would improve further if all quarters extend cooperation.
She mentioned various measures taken by her government to improve law and order, such as, introduction of speedy trial, reforms in police and formation of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Khaleda Zia said the government has taken some pragmatic decisions to uphold the interest of textiles and garments sectors. Both the sectors would get all possible assistance from the government also in future, she added.
She said a national coordination committee has been formed to help readymade garments sector face the challenges of post-2004 period when the quota system would be phased out.
Responding to a proposal of the DCCI, the prime minister said her government was encouraging medium industry. Small and medium industrial units can be set up in export
processing zones (EPZs), she suggested.
She listed a number of steps taken by her government including lowering the rate of bank interest and hoped that the private banks would also reduce theirinterest rate.
Referring to the measures for development of power sector, the prime minister called upon the private entrepreneurs toinvestin the sector.
She hoped that consumers would help improve the utility services by paying the bills regularly.
Khaleda also mentioned her government's steps taken for the development of agriculture sector and improvement of Information Technology (IT) in the country.
She said the foundation of the country's economy would be strong enough to run forward independently if the development activities continue for next three years.
Change of government and abandoning of development programmes in the past had affected the pace of progress, she observed.
While appreciating the achievement of the government in economic sector, the DCCI delegation pointed out that the national growth rate rose to 5.33 in 2002-03 from 4.42 in 2001-02 and it is expected to cross 5.5 in 200304.
Prime minister said the revenue income increased by 9.18 percent in the first nine months of the current fiscal while remittance by 11.4 percent. The overall export income increased by 14 percent in the first eight months. The foreign exchange reserve reached 2.70 billion US dollars in the current months (April).
Presenting the statistics, the DCCI leaders appreciated the government for achieving the success despite adversities. They also appreciated different government measures for improvement of business and invest-
ment and observed that government steps to enhance local and foreign investment were dynamic.
The business leaders expressed gratitude to the government for its sick industry rehabilitation programmes that rejuvenated at least 2000 sick industrial units across the country.
The DCCI delegation suggested a number of measures, including reduction of business cost and availability of bank loan at low interest for small and medium entrepreneurs to further enhance business andinvestment.
It felt the need for more importalternative and export-oriented industry in the country.
The DCCI leaders also suggested massive economic diplomacy and appointment of professional persons in foreign missions to this end to augment market abroad. Regional cooperation can also help the country, they observed.
They praised the government's emphasis on agro-based industry and sought assistance for capital for the purpose.
The DCCI delegation also felt the need for a full-fledged human resources development institute to create efficient entrepreneurs in the country.