DHAKA, Nov 25, 2021 (BSS) - The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of 
Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is foreseeing opportunities in LDC graduation 
rather than challenges.

   "There is widespread fear about Bangladesh's LDC graduation. But, I think 
it might bring opportunities for the country instead of posing challenges," 
FBCCI president Md Jasim Uddin said at a press conference today.

   "Bangladesh will require improved skills, heterogeneous export items, and 
a large amount of foreign and local investment for being ready to face the 
challenges," he noted.

   The FBCCI held the press conference to inform the media about the outcomes 
of recent visit of an FBCCI delegation, lead by its president, to the UK and 
France as the Prime Minister's entourage.

   The planned countrywide 100 special economic zones, 12 existing EPZs, the 
active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) park project are going to be major 
strength of the country to turn the challenges into opportunities, Jasim 
added.

   The chief of the country's apex trade body said that earlier, it was very 
difficult to invest in Bangladesh by buying land. "But, the economic zones 
are going to put an end to that hassle. Now, we can invite foreigners to 
invest in Bangladesh."

   With the graduation from the LDC list, Bangladesh is going to lose 
preferential trade benefits, which is going to make it less competitive. In a 
bid to absorb the shock, the government is mulling to sign bilateral trade 
arrangements like PTAs and FTAs with large export destinations.

   The FBCCI president also shrugged off the fear about free trade agreement 
(FTA) adding, "It won't be a problem if Bangladesh can strike a balance on 
bilateral trade,"

   Jashim gave example of the US market where Bangladeshi apparels has 
witnessed 23 percent export growth without GSP facility.

   He also informed that all the spinning mill machineries to be made until 
2025 has been booked and 99 percent customers of those mills are Bangladeshi 
investors who are looking to set up such spinning mills in the country.

   Jashim, however, added that Bangladesh will need GSP facilities in the EU 
market, its second largest export destination, for 10 more years to get 
prepared for facing the graduation challenges as well as becoming a developed 
nation by 2041.

   During the visit, the business leaders tried to attract foreign 
investments, from the second and third generation NRBs in particular, explore 
market for new Bangladeshi products in Europe and branding Bangladesh.

   Their main objective was to engage the new generation NRBs with 
Bangladesh's development process by projecting positive image of the country, 
which will be crucial for the country in the coming days.

   Answering to a question, Jasim was not in favour of the fuel price hike at 
a time when the country is overcoming the COVID-19 shock. 

   Replying to another question with regard to rising bad loans in banks, he 
pointed out that 98 percent of the loan defaulters are large borrowers who 
have really faced a setback during the pandemic.

   FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice Presidents 
MA Momen, Aminul Haque Shamim and Directors of FBCCI were also present at the 
press conference.