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BIZ LETTERS

bizletters@thedallystar.net
Economic or political issue?
The relationship between India and Bangladesh is dated long back. But we find these nations have a big trade gap. A large number of issues like water-sharing, maritime border, transit, adjustment of the Rules of Origin, non-tariff and para-tariff barriers (as set in Safta) remain unsettled so far.
As self-critic, we see our negotiation skills are almost zero. It is not about India but our own limitations or failures. On the other hand, there are many eminent Bangladeshi economists, lawyers and analysts living at home and abroad, who are not contributing because of institutional crisis. That is also another issue for debate.
Some intellectuals are raising their voices against "transit", apprehending that our sovereignty will face threats. It is time for economic domination rather than geographic invasion. Egypt is earning millions of dollars by allowing use of the Suez Canal, without any threat to sovereignty.
In order to minimise the trade gap, we can focus on a few items that can be exported only to the seven sisters (eastern part of India). We have to change our mindset first and know which aspect should be considered as political or economic. Our government can form separate commissions or committees on the related issues. Those commissions or committees will be assigned to resolve the unsettled issues with India.
Alamgir Sujaet, Dhaka
Electricity for Boro farmers
Electricity and diesel are the main elements for Boro farming. Fanners want an uninterrupted supply of electricity and diesel. A scarcity ofelectricity and diesel directly hampers the growth of paddy. Hence the government has to face a severe economic pressure. The ministries of industry, agriculture, oil and mineral resources and finance are directly involved with the issue.
Millions of people face starvation and millions remain half- fed. The government should collect more than 500 MW power. By closing all the shopping malls and offices in the capital early, energy can be saved for the farmers. With only 2 months of sacrifice, we can ensure a bumper production of paddy.
MZ Haider, Narsingdi
Africa and AsiaTrade Organisation
In this world of globalisation, countries have come closer to each other due to the advancement of technologies. Business should be dealt with all around the world based on opportunities. And in order to find opportunities, accessibility to other countries is a must. We are talking about transit facilities and the advantages and disadvantages we will face. But let us now talk about it on a much bigger scale.
Africa is one such continent where there is a plenty of opportunities. For a country like ours, with affordable labour, we can highly benefit from it. We are talking about giving transit facilities to India but how will Bangladesh benefit from it? Well, we can propose creation of an organisation connecting both Africa and Asia. Why can't we create a trade body named the Africa and Asia Ttade Organisation (AATO) just like NAFTA? This will allow business community from Africa and Asia to come closer to each other.
I wish our foreign ministry will propose the matter to the nations concerned in order to form this business body that will allow good business.
Minhaj Ahmed
Dhaka