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Help Dhaka face 2 major issues, CA tells WEF

UNB, Davos, Switzerland
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday told leaders of World Economic Forum (WEF) that Bangladesh is facing two vitally important issues--access of Bangladeshi products to the markets of developed countries including the US, and adapting to the impact of global warming causing changes in the climate.
"We are pointing out to the business and political leaders here formally and informally to address these vital issues," he told an international press conference at the Congress Centre on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting 2008 on Quest for Peace and Stability.
Fakhruddin said, "We are not asking for favour, we are asking for rewarding good market performance." Bangladesh is asking for access to the US market for its garment products as it was given to the least developed countries of Africa for American and some EU markets.
On the adverse impact of climate change on Bangladesh, the chief adviser said one-third of Bangladesh would go under water affecting some 40 million people with one-metre rise of sea level. "It would be disastrous for the country if more waters flow from the Himalayan system and flow through the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers systems. ”
He said Bangladesh has already been battered by two successive floods and cyclone Sidr within four months last year, causing huge losses to lives and property.
He said the world has to devote much to this issue and create a global fund for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh to finance adaptation and mitigation of sufferings. "It is important to create the global fund quickly and access to this fund. Besides, necessary technology is required for strengthening adaptation to the climate changes," he added.
On the trade bill pending before the US Congress, the chief adviser said he hopes that the Congress would take a favourable decision on the bill so that Bangladesh could compete with others on a levelplayingfield.
Asked about external economic recession that could cast an impact on Bangladesh's economy, he said increased oil prices and the latest round of increase in prices of rice and edible oil have greatly affected the country's economy as Bangladesh has to import all these items.
Fakhruddin said improved economic and political relations with India are helping Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is importing rice from India, a natural supplier of the country," he said, appreciating the Indian government for allowing Bangladesh to import a fair quantity of rice. He said the process of importing the rice from India is going to be finalised.
He said beyond the Safta, India has agreed to import eight million pieces of garments from Bangladesh. Fakhruddin hoped that some more Bangladeshi goods would have access to the Indian market without any impediments
Foreign Affairs AdviserDr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Ambassador Debapriya Bhattacharya and chief adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahirn Munaim were present at die press conference.
The Chief Adviser is expected to return home today.
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