Solving fuel problem not possible without adjusting gas price CA

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Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Thursday suggested regular monitoring to see the outcome of the already-implemented and under-implementation recommendations of brBangladesh Better Business Forum (BBBF), formed to help enhance economic growth through maintaining congenial business environment through public-private partnership, reports UNB.brThe CA, also chairperson of the BBBF formed last year, made the suggestion chairing the fifth meeting of the public-private business forum at the CA's office.brRegarding electricity and gas, Dr Fakhruddin said the government has taken appropriate steps to meet the shortage of gas. It was the first time BAPEX was financed to make it an independent institution.brIt is not possible to solve easily problems of fuel without adjusting the present price of gas,' he was quoted by an official handout as saying.brThe five working groups under the BBBF have so far made about 250 recommendations, of which 113 were endorsed by the Better Business Forum. Of the approved recommendations, 52 have already been implemented while the rest are in different stages of implementation.brAmong the recommendations already implemented are Reconstitution of the National ICT Task Force, setting up National Skill Development Council (NSDC), increasing the amount of financing and facilities in the small and medium enterprise sector, establishment of an SME service centre, expansion of tax holiday in industrialisation, rationalising import duty and reducing bandwidth and other charges on internet services.brIt was informed in the meeting that the working groups concerned would introduce necessary monitoring system with the help of the BBBF secretariat. The Board of Investment office provides secretarial services to the BBBF.brAt the meeting, members of the committee and businessmen discussed electricity, gas, coal policy and real-estate affairs and suggested lifting coal through quick implementation of the Coal Policy to meet the growing demand for fuel.brThe CA called upon the BBBF working groups to become more active and directed implementation of the recommendations quickly. In this regard, he instructed strengthening the BOI through recruiting more manpower for the board.brSoon an ICT policy will be finalised under the National Skill Development Council, the head of the caretaker government said and called for more investment in this sector.