CHATTOGRAN, May 31, 2022 (BSS) - Terming Chattogram port as the economic
life-line and International Gateway of the country Commerce Minister Tipu
Munshi said the government will give more priority to Chattogram considering
its importance.

The commerce minister hoped that the country's export will increase 60
billion dollars if we will able to upgrade the port.

The minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural
ceremony of the month-long 29th "Chattogram International Trade Fair-2022"
(CITF-2022) at city's Polo ground  this evening that kicked off here today
(Tuesday).

The Commerce Minister said Bangladesh has turned around with its strong
economy.

Tipu Munshi said, the position of Bangladesh will be changed very soon and we
should build Chattogram as world class city regarding the demand of the
country.

"I was not a minister four years ago, I went to Delhi. A Pakistani wanted to
know, do your Prime Minister's has magic in her hands?" he added.

The commerce minister said that the Bangladesh economy and its development is
a surprise to them.

"The government as well as businessmen have contributed to take the country
forward. The government will not do business, it will help the business
community," he said.

He mentioned that edible oil prices are Taka 15 higher in India and Taka 36
higher in Pakistan compare with Bangladesh.

"Only 10 percent edible oil is produced in the country. Wheat and pulses have
to be imported. There is nothing wrong with our efforts. On the instructions
of the Prime Minister, we have given oil and sugar to one crore people at
reasonable prices. Five crore people are benefiting. This will continue as
long as the situation is not normal. We will have to subsidize," he added.

 Organized under the auspices of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(CCCI), Tipu termed the CCCI as a century-old business organization.

CITF-2022 convenor and CCCI director AKter Hossain, gave the welcome speech,
while CCCI president Mahbubul Alam presided over the function.

Former President of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industries (CCCI) M A
Latif, MP, City Mayor M Reazaul Karim Chowdhury and Commissioner of
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Saleh Mohammad Tanvir addressed the inaugural
function as special guests.

Over 310 local and foreign stalls including 16 premier gold pavilions, 33
premier stalls, 99 gold stalls, 46 mega stalls and 14 food stalls have been
set up at the fair venue covering four lakh square feet area in Railway Polo
ground.

Some of the leading industrial enterprises from Thailand and India will
participate in the fair.

The CCCI authority has been organizing the fair since 1993 and it got wide
publicity by the Bangladesh missions abroad, foreign missions in Bangladesh
and different trade bodies and globally famous trade websites.

The fair will remain open to visitors from 10 am to 10 pm, everyday, till
June 30, 2022.