Supporting export activities

FOR export activities to substantially increase, the factor of greatest significance is greater dynamism on the part of the exporters themselves. It was suggested long ago that even in the export of RMG Bangladeshi exporters could further diversify their markets. Japan, the CIS countries, Latin American countries, East European countries, etc., could be the new buyers of Bangladesh RMG products to make up for the setbacks elsewhere. But for this to happen, it is necessary for the exporters to explore prospects there effectively. Such efforts were few and far between with the result that Bangladesh could hardly decrease its dependence on the US market.
While the exporters themselves need to do a great deal more to increase export activities, the government also should listen to the suggestions of the exporters to reduce the interest rate of loans for export, lower the electricity rate during peak hours, allow duty free import of generators, reduce port charges, allow at intervals duty-free or concessional-duty import of capital equipment and spare parts for export-oriented industries.
The government can favourably respond to these and other suggestions of exporters to add to a positive policy environment in support of greater export activities.
Md Feisal
Aminabad Colony,
Dhaka