He suggested proper initiatives for producing standard and cost-effective products, both for local market and export.

"The government is playing an effective role to make the country self-reliant," the minister said inaugurating the fair, arranged by Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said an atmosphere congenial to establishing and expanding trade and industry is now prevailing in the country.

Terming the district a labour-intensive area of the country, the finance minister urged the local people to set example through investment to encourage the expatriates to come up with business plans.

Among others, M Ilyas Ali MP, Shafi Ahmed Chowdhury MP, Commissioner of SCC Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner M Harun Chowdhury, Chamber President Faruq Ahmed, Director Nasim Hossain and Vice President Junnun Mahmud Khan were present.