BSS, Dhaka
Leaders of Sub-contact Industrialist Association of Bangladesh (SIAB) on Monday said, the country could save Taka 10,000 crore by using local cost effective and better quality small and medium industry outputs instead of importing those from abroad.
Around five lakh small and medium industries have long been meeting the increased demand for products of heavy industries, but the heavy industries are now reluctant to purchase such goods from small and medium industries, they said.
These observations came when a delegation of the SIAB called on Industries Minister Dilip Barua at his office here this afternoon.
Chief Adviser of SIAB M Amirul Islam Khan led the delegation comprising its Secretary general M Aslam Ali, adviser Saleh Ahmed and vice presidents M Gani Ahmed, M Shamim Ahmed, Harun-or- Rashid, Abu Hossain Khokan, treasurer Emran Ahmed and organising secretary M Selim.
Giving a patience hearing to the accumulated grievances of the SIAB members, the Indistries Minister said, the government is considering expansion of the small and medium industries besides heavy ones.
He underscored the need for expanding small and medium industries everywhere for massive industrialization in the country.
“The government is very much eager to give priority on expansion of small and medium industries but that must be done considering the reality of high population density and limited land,” said Barua.
The minister said, development in every sector is a must for massive industrialization, while the government is aware of development of industry sector keeping in mind the overarching objective of making ‘Digital Bangladesh’.
Reading out a written statement, M Amirul Islam Khan said, sub-contracting system in the small and medium industries has been playing a significant role in the country’s industry sector by generating a large number of jobs for youths.
The small and medium industries are now producing agro machineries, light engineering, chemical, electrical, furniture and food processing, he said.
The SIAB leaders demanded steps for ensuring proper contracting management and implementation of marketing facilities for small and medium goods.
They also put forward a set of recommendations including establishment of a sub-contracting zone at Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BISIC), arranging bank loans at lower interest rates and plummeting tax on import of raw materials.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
