\\\'More FDI needed to generate employment, cut poverty\\\'

Bangladesh needs to take appropriate measures to help boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and ensure the participation of deprived and poor people in the country’s economic activities and subsequent growth process. President of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICC-B) Mahbubur Rahman said this at a press conference at Sonargaon Hotel in the city following the closing of the 2-day international conference on ‘Global Economic Recovery: Asian Perspective’. ICC-B founding member and noted jurist Barrister Rafiqul Haque ICC-B Vice President and Chairman Latifur Rahman, ICC-B Secretary General Ataur Rahman and former DCCI President Asif Ibrahim were also present. Reading out the summary and recommendations of the conference, the ICC-B president said good governance and inclusive politics are essential prerequisites to having accelerated investment and growth in Asian countries, including Bangladesh. Responding to a question, he said ‘inclusive politics’ does not mean whether BNP joined the elections or not. ‘Rather we meant the participation of poorer and deprived section of people in the economic activities and subsequent growth process.’ The ICC-B welcomed Bangladesh’s joining in the newly launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. ‘It’s a very good idea,’ Mahbubur Rahman said. The 2-day conference also observed that China-India relationship will be key to shaping the development in the new century and all need to recognise the shifts towards China and India in the 21st century. The National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the event marking the 20 years of ICC’s presence in the country which discussed Asian economic growth, trade and investment issues. The conference brought together more than 450 delegates representing ministers, industry and business leaders, experts, economists, ICC leaders and academics from home and abroad. It focused on four sessions like global economic recovery contemporary reality; Asian growth: realities & challenges; trade: Does the Bali outcome hold promise for the future? and promoting investment in Asia, according to a news agency.