Volume 4 Number 297 Mon. March 29, 2004       Advertise with The Daily Star -- Advertising on the Website    Advertising in the Printed E dition-- Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Political Sports Point-counterpoint Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Business US companies pull out on breach of contract American envoy tells Ficci meet American investment in Bangladesh is drying up as the companies are pulling out and new firms are showing reluctance due to violation of contract sanctity, bureaucratic delays and weak judicial system,   Slash import duties on industrial raw materials Business bodies recommend at pre-budget discussion with NBR Leading business bodies yesterday at a pre-budget discussion with the National Broad of Revenue (NBR) recommended reduction of duties on imported raw materials for local industries and increasing import   Unprepared developing nations risk losing market Commerce minister warns about final liberalisation of trade Developing countries risk losing heavily from the final liberalisation of trade in textiles and clothing if they are not well prepared for the imminent business and market changes globally, the newlyappointed   $1,720m ADB loan remains un-disbursed until last year ADB loan portfolio in last two years has experienced accumulation of unutilised funds while contract award and disbursement ratios worsening with time elapses.   Thai product show kicks off today A three-day exhibition of Thai products and services begins at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel today.   Bangladesh sees 14.36pc rise in tourists The number of foreign tourists to Bangladesh rose by 14.36 percent in 2003 to 237,000, the state-run Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation said here Sunday.   China to sew up Asian rivals when garment, textile quotas end Many of Asia's poorest nations are unprepared for the imminent end of a quota system governing global textile and clothing exports with widespread job losses inevitable as companies shift operations to   US pressures Opec to abandon output cut US President George W Bush's administration is stepping up pressure on Opec to abandon an output cut as it grapples with a politically inflammable surge in energy prices.   Malaysia braces for positive 2004 Malaysia is gearing up for a positive 2004, with the economy seen as growing at its fastest pace in four years to become one of Asia's top stars amid rising optimism after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad   Saipem wins $350m bid to lay Gulf pipeline Dolphin Energy Ltd.   Agora's Independence Day offer Agora, a chain superstore operated by Rahimafrooz Group, has arranged a special programme to mark the Independence Day.   Green Delta holds annual confce The Annual Conference-2004 of Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd was held in Dhaka on Thursday.     Advertisement