Government focuses more on trade diplomacy, says PM Hasina

The Awami League government is focusing more on economic diplomacy than the political one, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 22 Nov 2018, 10:10 AM
Updated : 22 Nov 2018, 10:10 AM

Hasina spoke during the inaugural ceremony of ‘Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leather Goods International Sourcing Show 2018’ in the capital on Thursday.

“Our diplomacy has gone from political to economic; now we’re focusing more on trade diplomacy.”

“Therefore, our ambassadors and high commissioners from different countries should do a survey in the existing markets of their respective countries to see which products can be purchased from here.”

The prime minister also urged the entrepreneurs to find the potential sectors for foreign investment and increase the production accordingly.

The government is trying to ensure both local and foreign investment in the 100 economic zones it decided to establish across the country.

“The leather industry is one of the biggest sectors in the country. It has a tremendous opportunity in Bangladesh We’re taking effective measures to develop it. Tanneries have been made in Savar; we plan to establish more tanneries in Rajshahi and Chattogram in future.”

Hasina mentioned that the handbag she was carrying was a local leather product, adding she always carries handbags made in Bangladesh while travelling abroad.

Hasina also expressed her wish to present a leather handbag made in Bangladesh to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“We have been in power since 2009, making it almost 10 years. I leave it to you to judge us,” Hasina told the businessmen.

It is the businessmen and not the government who does the business, said Hasina.

But it is the government’s responsibility to create proper business environment, looking for international markets, and to ensure production and export facilities. The present AL government has been working to develop the industrial sectors.

“Simultaneously, our economic plans are designed to boost socio-economic development and people’s purchasing power and expand markets,” she said.

The business people are also enjoying the advantages of these government initiatives along with the ordinary people, Hasina said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting a stall after inaugurating ‘Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leather Goods International Sourcing Show -2018’ in Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Thursday.

She mentioned the government’s plan to construct an international airport in Cox’s Bazar to ensure expansion of trade and business. At the same time, she spoke about providing training to the young people to take up businesses.

“The election is coming up. We’ll implement all of our plans if re-elected. If not, then those of you related to the business ensure the implementation with the coming government,” she said as she talked about different government plans to benefit the leather industry.