Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday her government took multiple initiatives like building economic zones (EZs) centring on Mongla and Payra ports.
The facilities aim to give a strong footing to economy and socio-economic development of the country's south and south-western regions, reports BSS.
"The present government has been working for socio-economic development of the country's south and south-western regions and generating employment," the premier told parliament.
To this end, she said, measures have been taken for industrialisation of the regions.
Hasina was replying to a tabled question from a Jatiya Party lawmaker Rustum Ali Faraji from Pirojpur-3 constituency.
For export-oriented industries, she said, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority is now setting up economic zones like the one beside Payra Deep-sea Port and Mongla Special Economic Zone for India.
"Initiatives have also been made to set up 12 more economic zones in Barishal, Khulna, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur and Faridpur to increase exports using facilities at Mongla and Payra ports."
The government has taken massive development initiatives to expand roads and set up power plants centring on the ports, Hasina said, adding that work on some projects is already completed.
Hasina said her government has been giving cash and non-cash incentives and sending promotional materials to foreign chambers and trade organisations.
An EPD is being set up in Jashore aimed at attracting investments in the ports, she continued.
The introduction of "one-stop service" is now at the final stage to accelerate the export-oriented environment in the country, the PM mentioned.
Besides, measure has been taken to build a modern and environment-friendly ship-recycling industry at Taltali sub-district in Borguna, she said.
Work is ongoing to build 34 buffer godowns to stockpile 5.10 lakh tonnes of urea in Borguna, Bhola, Patuakhali, Jashore, Khulna and Bagerhat districts.
Hasina said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had started industrialisation as industries, commerce, labour, corruption prevention and village assistance minister of East Pakistan in 1956.
Industries and commerce ministry was also set up at the directive of Bangabandhu, she added.
Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury chaired Wednesday's parliamentary session.
