BGAPMEA may get UP, import entitlement authority

FE Report

Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Mashiur Rahman Sunday assured taking steps to provide utilisation permission (UP) and import entitlement authority to the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA).

He said the finance minister in 2012 directed the ministry concerned to hand over UP certification authority from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to BGAPMEA. But the directive is yet to be implemented.

The adviser also said he will draw attention of the finance minister and the NBR chairman towards the issue.

Mr Rahman said these while addressing as the chief guest of the closing ceremony of the GAPEXPO 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed and former BGMEA president Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury were present as the special guests in the programme. BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowdhury presided over the closing ceremony.

The FBCCI president said the country's packaging industry is not only just a backward linkage industry, but it is also earning foreign currency now.

"The garment accessories and packaging industry is earning around US$ 4.0 billion annually through direct and indirect export."

He also drew attention of the adviser to resolve the problems of the packaging sector in the next budget.

Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury said the Accord and the Alliance are working for ensuring work place safety and labour standards in the RMG units.

"But there is lack of necessary directives from the government regarding this issue. For this reason, the local garment factory owners are facing trouble during inspection by the foreign organisations. There should be a complete guideline," he added.    

There were 500 stalls at the GAPEXPO 2014, where garment accessories, raw materials and machineries were displayed. Around 25 local garment accessories makers participated in the expo.