Sharp rise in foreign traders\\\' arrival in recent weeks

The number of inbound foreign businessmen has marked a sharp increase in recent weeks thanks to the country's current political scenario, which has improved after the 10th parliamentary election.
With the stability of political situation the global business partners are now gaining confidence and have long-term business strategies with Bangladesh.
According to the Special Branch (SB) of police in last one month the number of foreign visitors including business partners has increased by more than 50 per cent compared to that of last December.
An official of SB of police told the FE: "Arrival of foreigners, mostly business representatives and apparel buyers, in the country has increased sharply in last one month".
He said foreign business partners have been enhancing their visits to the country because of the stable political environment and trustworthy security measures.
President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed told the FE: "We have noticed that a significant number of overseas buyers and suppliers have been arriving here over the last one month."
He said the foreign business associates did not like to visit Bangladesh in 2013 for the volatile political environment, but now they are interested to come here to boost business relations.
"The country's political situation is now satisfactory, so signing of most of the business deals is being done with foreign partners," Managing Director of Giant Group, a leading woven garment and knitwear manufacturing company, Faruque Hassan told the FE.
Mr Hassan, also a former vice president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said: "The foreign buyers are now interested to come here as Bangladesh is going to have a big share in the world trade."
A leader of the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association told the FE: "A good number of international buyers are scheduled to visit Bangladesh within a short time with a lot of work orders".
He said, "Now the country is back to usual business and we are making efforts to overcome the image crisis."
According to Tour Operators' Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), with the increase in foreign visitors' arrival the hotel booking rate has already been growing by more than 70 per cent and in the short time the occupancy rate may be 90 per cent.
Managing Director of Galaxy Travel International Taufiq Uddin Ahmed told the FE: "For the stable political environment, a good number of foreign tourists are now turning to Bangladesh."
He said last week they signed agreements with several international tour operators who usually send foreign travellers including European, US, Chinese and Japanese tourists under their package.
In 2013, the tourism industry counted massive losses but if the political stability continues in the coming days, they will be able to recover the losses, he added.