Businesses and experts at a roundtable conference urged the government today to formulate a coordinated plan for development of the energy infrastructure to implement Vision 2041 to turn the country into a developed nation as envisaged by the government. They said Bangladesh has immense potential with a highly strategic geographical location but there are visible impediments to reaching its economic growth which should be removed. The businesses should also come forward apace with the government efforts in formulation of the infrastructure development plans keeping themselves above all regional points of view. Besides, the government should take bold steps as quickly as possible for implementation of the proposed deep sea port and EZ (economic zone) projects. The roundtable conference was organised at Radisson Blu Hotel in the city organised jointly by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Chittagong Cosmopolitan and the Banik Barta, a national specialised Bangla daily. The theme of the event was ‘Vision 2041, Businesses’ Capability and Challenges in Achieving the Goal’. The speakers have also highlighted the problems and remedies in the growth of industrialisation and far-reaching plan for the infrastructure building. The event was moderated by editor of the Daily Banik Barta Dewan Hanif Mahmud and presided over by JCI Chittagong Cosmopolitan president Jashim Ahmed. Veteran teachers, businesses, entrepreneurs, bankers, chamber representatives and different stakeholders spoke on the occasion. In his opening address, Dewan Hanif Mahmud said the infrastructure of the post-independent Bangladesh was fragile. The economic activities of the region started to gain strength in the eighties. Different indices have depicted a golden picture of the Bangladesh economy. But the status of Bangladesh was at the bottom due to the existence of impediments in the infrastructure development sector. The indices in terms of growth atmosphere are also very encouraging. “Unless we can chalk out plans for facing challenges en route the Vision 2041, the dream of a developed Bangladesh would remain a far cry,” Mahmud said. Jashim Ahmed said the growth rate of Bangladesh economy has been hovering around 6.0 per cent over the last few years. “But we need to achieve an 8 per cent growth if we have to come out from this cycle. We are not ready to achieve that goal. But nothing is impossible if we can enhance investment in the agriculture, industry, export-oriented garment industry and other potential sectors,” he said. President of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mahbubul Alam said Bangladesh has created a revolution in the RMG (readymade garment) sector while our medicines are being exported to different European countries. The export of leather, ceramic and sea-going vessels has increased as well. “If the present trend of political stability continues, the realisation of the Vision 2041 will of course be possible. In this connection I would suggest more flexible bank loan and loan interest at a single digit. I would also say that the government should further modernise the Chittagong Port and should not see this major port from any regional point of view,” he said. Alam said Bangladesh is eager to invite investment while Chittagong is the pivotal centre of investment. But poor communication network and utility services are main drawbacks why businesses are not coming here. Another important lacking is the non-availability of adequate land for industrialisation. That is why the region is lacking in investment. He said unhindered electricity and gas supply is the key to ensuring production growth besides strengthening quick implementation of projects such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) at Mirsarai and Anwara and Bay Terminal of Chittagong Port. Industries are facing financial losses due to electricity and gas crises. Although the government said the liquefied natural gas (LNG) would be imported soon, necessary steps need to be urgently taken up otherwise production will be hampered. Speaking on the occasion Vice Chancellor of the East Delta University Prof Sikandar Khan also urged for quick solutions to the problems of electricity and gas to ensure production in factories. He put emphasis on infrastructure development as well. He however, observed that these problems cannot be solved overnight. Although the government has taken a lot of measures on way to becoming a developed country, some of these projects are irrelevant with attaining the goal, citing the coal-based Rampal Power Plant as an example. JCI Bangladesh Chapter president Shakhawat Hossain Mamun, business leader SM Abu Tayab, former BGMEA first vice president Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, UCBL DMD Abdul Jabbar Chowdhury, Sonali Bank GM Wasiur Rahman, EPB deputy director Rahmat Ullah Meah, Emdadul Haque, Marjanur Rahman, Raisul Uddin Saikot, Abu Ubaida, Imran Fahim Noor, Khatun-e-Jannat, Nasir Uddin, Marjanur Rana, Engr Mushfique Ahmed and Asfaqur Rahim also spoke on the occasion.
