None can block country's march forward: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said no one will be able to block the country's progress as the government has developed a system of development.

"We've put a system in place in the country... whoever comes (to power), I think, can't resist the country's march forward and It'll continue (journey)," she said.

The prime minister said this while distributing the National Export Trophy 2015-16 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel jointly organised by Commerce Ministry and Export Promotion Bureau.

Describing the large population as a great strength for the country, she said the government has taken a move to make this population, especially the youth, a skilled one through providing education and training. "We'll be able to develop the country by using the labour and merits of the youth. We've given special attention to this end," she said.

She said the government was never involved in doing business; rather it made the process easier and hassle-free for businessmen.

Hasina put emphasis on bringing dynamism into export, urging businessmen to look for new markets and explore new export items to fetch more foreign currency. "If you need cooperation, the government is here to help you," she said.

The prime minister said she called all ambassadors and high commissioners of the country to Dhaka to give them directives for finding news business opportunities in foreign countries as today's world is run by economic diplomacy apart from the traditional political diplomacy.

She said the diplomats have been asked to engage efforts to explore new markets and products for export. "We have commercial councillors in some countries. We've asked them to move for expanding the export market as well as products," she said.

Talking about the diversification of products to catch new markets across the globe, Hasina said the government wants to create scope for the BSCIC industrial cities so that small industries could produce diversified products.

About the gas crisis in industrial units, she said the government is thinking about land-based LNG terminal in the country apart from floating terminals to mitigate the gas crisis.

At present, the prime minister said, Bangladesh is considered as the role model of development. "Now, no one sees Bangladesh with neglected eyes. We have to maintain the recognition this," she said.

A total of 56 companies got the trophies under gold, silver and bronze categories.

Chaired by Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin also spoke at the programme.