Dialogue demands immediate establishment of SEZ in Sylhet

A dialogue in Sylhet yesterday raised demand that the government take immediate measures to establish the much-awaited special economic zone in the district.
Held at the Sylhet City Corporation office, the discussion was organised by Asia Foundation in association with DFID and International Finance Corporation.
The speakers also demanded easing the procedure for dealing licence and trade license, creating separate market for women entrepreneurs, extending loan facilities for women entrepreneurs and poultry sector.
Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury, administrator of Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the dialogue, participated by a number of government officials, chamber leaders, academics and women entrepreneurs.
Mahmud Us Samad Chowdhury, a member of parliament, said the cabinet has already approved a draft law for setting up an SEZ in Sylhet.
"Soon the draft law will be placed before the Jatiya Sangsad for approval, and we hope that the SEZ will open a new era in our economy, as huge number of non-resident Bangladeshis may come up with big investment," added Chowdhury.
Lawmaker Shofiqur Rahman Chowdhury suggested that the chambers should play more active role in promoting the business community.
Lora Watson, representative of IFC, hoped that such dialogue would play a great role in improving the understanding between the private and public sector people to improve the overall business situation.
MA Munim, former vice-president of the FBCCI, said VAT (value added tax) payment procedure should be made easier for raising the government revenue collection as well as for the benefit of businesses.
Catherin Martin of the DFID, Saiyed Al-Muti of Asia Foundation, and Faruque Ahmed Misbah, also a former chief of Sylhet chamber, also spoke on the occasion.