Barua for non-tariff barrier on import to promote local goods

---

FE Report
Industries Minister Dilip Barua said Saturday he has asked the finance ministry to impose non-tariff barriers on import of the commodities that are also produced locally to promote domestic industries.
"Many Bangladeshi products are now recognised overseas as brand items, and it is our duty to patronise them through trade policies and give them extra advantages," the minister said.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of "Amar Ponno Amar Desh" (Our Product Our Country) campaign, introduced by the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) in the chamber office in the city.
He said the economy with targeted domestic market has a better chance of survival under the current global financial recession.
"It is time to do whatever we can for our local industries," he added while speaking the ceremony as chief guest.
He also said the present government is working on readjustment to tariff to provide cushion for local industries and their products. He, however, urged the industry leaders to ensure product quality, keeping competitive price in mind.
"To attract people to buy local product, you need to ensure that products meet the international standards and the prices are affordable," Mr Barua said.
He said the government has taken initiative to modernise the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) to ensure the quality of products.
"We are seriously studying sick public industries and considering change in the pattern of ownership through public-private partnership," he informed.
He also announced that a "Domestic Product Day" would be observed every year to encourage Bangladeshis all over the world to buy their home products.
The industries minister appreciated the initiative of BCI to promote local products and encourage people to buy Bangladeshi goods.
Member of parliament and leader of Workers Party Rashed Khan Menon also attended the ceremony and expressed his solidarity with the BIC initiative.
"I would like to urge the government to form a parliamentary committee to encourage and support the BCI initiatives," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, president of the BCI Shahedul Islam Helal said there are about 170 million people in Bangladesh making a large market within.
"With the gradual growth of national economy, purchasing power of our people is growing as well. If people buy local products it will prevent outflow of our money," the BCI president added.
He reminded that after 2013, the government will have no control on inflow of foreign products into domestic market any more as it has signed the international trade agreement. So, the government has to do whatever it can to patronise local industries now, he said.
He also said that the "Amar Ponno Amar Desh" campaign will include musical concert by its media ambassador, singer Haider Hossain, who will spread the theme via songs all over the country.
The BCI has takes a number of initiatives to continue the campaign for two years, he added.
Beximco Group, Bengal Plastic Industries Ltd, Gazi Tanks and Sharif Malamine Industries Pvt Ltd have already agreed to sponsor the entire campaign, he ended.