Ensure proper facilities in SEZs to attract investment: DCCI

Proper infrastructure and utility facilities such as gas, electricity, and transport routes need to be ensured in the 100 special economic zones (SEZs) to attract investment, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting with Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmd Humayun at the ministry on Tuesday, DCCI President Md Sameer Sattar said establishing 100 SEZs in Bangladesh has created huge investment potential for the country.

He also spoke about the challenges awaiting the country after the LDC graduation in the coming years.

He said, “To retain existing export markets and create new export destinations in the post-LDC graduation era, it is extremely important to take appropriate policy reform measures and ensure their implementation.

“Identification of required policy gaps and reforms in existing regulations such as the SME policy-2019 and Industrial Policy-2022, are essential for our industrial readiness after graduation.”

The DCCI president also called to redefine the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprise (CMSME) sector by excluding the medium enterprises.

He said the cottage, micro and small entrepreneurs are deprived of financial and non-financial facilities in comparison to the medium entrepreneurs.

As stated in the National Industrial Policy-2022, the contribution of the industrial sector to GDP can be increased by strengthening the light engineering sector, which mostly involves the SMEs.

Prompt implementation of the proposed 10 light engineering industrial parks in five districts –Dhaka, Naryanganj, Mymensingh, Narsingdhi and Jashore– with necessary infrastructure is required to strengthen the backward linkage industries, said Sameer.

Stating that the global ‘halal market’ is currently valued at around $3 trillion, the DCCI president said Bangladesh has a great chance to tap into the market by producing halal food, drinks, garments, and cosmetics and further strengthening the BSTI with international accreditation.

Talking to the DCCI president, Minister Nurul Majid said the government is relentlessly working for the betterment of a business-friendly environment in the country.

He also urged the entrepreneurs to inform the ministry about specific problems that they are facing, so that the ministry can look into the issue for a solution.

“We should tap into the potential of the global halal market,” he said and requested the private sector to come forward with investment, assuring to provide all possible support to the industries from the ministry.