DHAKA, March 30, 2019 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said
initiatives have been taken to strengthen the country’s sustainable and
environmentally friendly industrialization.
In a message on the occasion of the ‘National Industrial Fair 2019’, she
said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of
economic emancipation and prosperity of the Bangalee nation.
The Prime Minister said in 1956, when he was the Minister of Industries,
Trade, Labor, Anti-Corruption and Village Aid Ministry of the then East
Pakistan government, he took the first initiative to industrialize the
country. Under the aegis of Bangabandhu BSCIC has been established and the
development of small and cottage industries took place in this region, she
added.
Bangladesh is moving forward towards prosperity following the path of the
dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said adding Bangladesh has
already been recognized as a middle-income country owing to our government’s
relentless efforts. “We have been working hard to turn the country into a
middle income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041,” she added.
Initiatives have been taken to strengthen the country’s sustainable and
environmentally friendly industrialization, Sheikh Hasina said adding this
has resulted in a positive change in the industrial sector.
“In 2017-2018, the contribution of industrial sector to GDP rose to 33.71%
from only 17.77% in 2007-08. To encourage the private sector in involving
with the current initiative of sustainable industrialization, the Ministry of
Industries has been distributing the ‘CIP (Industry) Award’ since 2009 and
the ‘National Productivity and Quality Excellence Award’ since 2012, she
added.
The Prime Minister said policy support has been enhanced in the
development of labor-intensive small, cottage and medium industries. New
inventions and creative initiatives in the industrial sector are receiving
state patronage, considering the availability of raw materials, the area-
based industrial plants are being developed.
“We are establishing 100 economic zones for balanced economic development
of the country. Physical infrastructures have been developed in the country
to ease the process of the import of raw materials and export of products.
Power security including availability of electricity has been strengthened,”
she added.
The Prime Minister said, “I am happy to know that domestic products will
be showcased at the 1st National Industrial Fair 2019. I believe this fair,
will play a positive role in inspiring, attracting and encouraging investors
as well as promoting and expanding the market of the domestic products and
services.” It will create opportunities for sharing mutual experiences and
exchange of views among participating organizations, she said adding
subsequently, efforts will be made in the coming days to develop the quality
and enhance the diversity of the products produced in Bangladesh.