Govt focusing on export-quality product diversification: Titu

Govt focusing on export-quality product diversification: Titu

Dhaka, Mar 11 - State Minister for Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu has said that the government is focusing on export-quality product diversification emphasizing leather, jute, and pharmaceuticals sectors as part of LDC graduation.

He said this while speaking as chief guest at a dialogue on "What did WTO-MC13 Deliver for the Graduating LDCs? Perspectives from Bangladesh,” held at the conference hall of CIRDAP in the capital.

The dialogue was organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) with the cooperation of the German-based organization ‘Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Ahasanul said, “LDC graduation is a challenge for us. How many days will we have to face the challenge? We now have until 2029 instead of 2026. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has given clear guidelines on what to do at this time. We have to work on those issues.”

He said the Prime Minister has prioritised product diversification of leather, jute, and pharmaceuticals as there is potential for export in those sectors.

“This year has been declared as ‘Handicrafts’ year to emphasize this sector. It would not bring a lot of income, but it will play a big role in employment. We have started the campaign.”

The commerce state minister sought CPD’s cooperation and research program on the sectors.

CPD’s distinguished fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya said in the discussion, “We got three years. This time will not be worth if this time is not used properly. In those three years, we moved out of garment sector dependence and entered into a developed and diversified economy.”

“The productivity of workers along with the efficiency of production should be increased. That is why investing in worker interests and standards, talent, and modernization is important,” he stated.

Dr Fahmida Khatun moderated the dialogue. CPD’s distinguished fellow Professor Mustafizur Rahman gave a presentation on the topic.

Senior Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Ferdaus Ara Begum, ECO of BUILD, Richard Kaniweski, representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Bangladesh, among others, spoke at the programme.-UNB