Briefing 27-10-2019
October 27, 2019 00:00:00
BGMEA seeks steps to stay in fray
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has sought at least an additional Tk 2.0 on top of the market-based exchange rate per US dollar. It also demanded several other measures to help the country's largest export earnings sector overcome the internal and external challenges and remain competitive in the global market. The trade body urged the authorities concerned to provide loan rescheduling facilities with a provision for 2.0 per cent down payment and doubling the tenure for the factories that are not 'habitual defaulters'. Page 20
BLLISS 2019 begins on Oct 30
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 3rd edition of BLLISS 2019 (Bangladesh Leatherfootwear & Leathergoods International Sourcing Show) on October 30 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Agargaon in the city. The exhibition of the show is scheduled for October 31 - November 2 at the International Convention City (ICCB), Bashundhara in the city. The BLLISS 2019 is expected to become an important matchmaking trade platform for the stakeholders. Page 9
US, China, Russia meet on Afghan peace
Representatives of Russia, China, the United States and Pakistan have agreed that negotiation is the only road to peace in Afghanistan, including an early resumption of direct US talks with the Taliban. The day-long talks in Moscow on Friday came ahead of an intra-Afghan dialogue to be hosted by China. The Beijing talks, which initially were to be held next week, have been postponed, according to officials familiar with the talks. Page 17
Trump halts Thai duty-free trade
US President Donald Trump on Friday reinstated duty-free trade for certain items from Ukraine, but suspended it with Thailand. In a presidential proclamation, Trump said he had previously suspended duty-free treatment for certain Ukrainian goods because Ukraine was not adequately protecting intellectual property rights, but he was now lifting the suspension because the country had made progress on that front. Page 19