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US ready to be partner in infrastructure development

Thomas says at Ctg apparel show inaugural function

STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Ctg
The US is ready to be a partner of Bangladeshi business leaders to promote rule of law, transparency and infrastructure development, the US envoy said yesterday in Chittagong.
Harry K Thomas was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day Chittagong Apparel, Fabric and Accessories Exposition (CASAXPO) 2005 at CJKS Gymnasium.
Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury formally inaugurated the fair, organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mir Shahabuddin Mohammed, BGMEA President Annisul Huq, BGMEA First Vice President MA Salam and Second Vice President Alamgir MZ Rahman were also present at the function.
The US ambassador also said a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) between Bangladesh and the US, which is close to being finalised, will provide a valuable forum for trade discussion and better advantage of the commercial opportunities that already exist in Bangladesh.
The US ambassador once again
put accent on improvement of Chittagong Port efficiency. Bangladesh can take initiatives to improve the port's competitiveness in the post-MFA era rather than waiting for some external solutions or assistance, Thomas said.
Referring to the government's Post-MFA Action Programme (PMAP), the commerce minister said the US$40-million scheme is aimed at maintaining and consolidating the present market share through capacity building and product diversification.
The commerce minister also criticised opposition parties, saying economic development is being hampered due to their 'noncooperation'.
The minister also urged the US ambassador to help Bangladesh get duty-free market access to his country.
The BGMEA president emphasised the importance of good compliance factor in RMG export to get duty-free access to the US.
"One or two small noncompliance incidents can destroy all our achievements, dream and image," he warned.
A total of 26 firms are displaying products in 39 stalls in the exposition, which will remain open to visitors from 10am to 10pm.