News Briefs- (29-1-2019)

BJS revises up gold prices

Local jewellers have increased prices of three categories of gold, effective from Today (Tuesday). The prices have been increased by more than Tk 1,100 per bhori of 22, 21and 18 carat gold, according to a statement issued by Bangladesh Jewellers' Association (BJS). With the fresh hike, per bhori (22 carat) gold ornaments will be sold at Tk 50,155.2 while 21 carat Tk 47,822.2, and 18 carat Tk 42,806.88 The previous prices were Tk 48,988, Tk 46,656 and Tk 41,640 respectively. However, the value of traditional gold and silver remained unchanged. The association revised the prices to adjust with the international market price, said the statement.

— FE Report

Minister seeks proposal for SMEs dev

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Monday asked officials of the SME Foundation to give a specific proposal for the development of the country's small and medium enterprises (SMEs). "Large projects need to be taken for the development of small and medium industries. Through large projects, more entrepreneurs will be created across the country," he told a meeting with the officials of the SME Foundation at the Industries Ministry in the city. To build sustainable SMEs sector, Humayun said proper training and work-oriented education is essential. He also asked the officials to take special projects for women entrepreneurs as they can empower themselves. Among others, Secretary-In-Charge of the Industries Ministry M Abdul Halim and Chairman of the SME Foundation KM Habib Ullah were present at the meeting. — BSS

Vietnam January FDI inflows up 9.2pc to $1.55b

HANOI, Jan 28 : Vietnam received $1.55 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in January, up 9.2 per cent from the same period a year earlier, the Ministry of Planning and Investment said on Monday. FDI pledges - which indicate the size of future FDI disbursements - rose 51.9 per cent in the year to $1.9 billion, the ministry said in a statement. Of the pledges, 62.4 per cent are to be invested in manufacturing and processing, while 9.3 per cent would go to real estate, the ministry said. Japan was the top source of FDI pledges in the period, followed by South Korea and China. The Southeast Asian country reported FDI inflows of $19.1 billion last year, up 9.1 per cent. — Reuters