Mozena lists priorities for further growth

The US ambassador in Dhaka yesterday said Bangladesh will have to address four key issues -- political instability, inefficient port management, inadequate energy and corruption -- to attain further economic growth.
Bangladesh has the opportunity to be the largest apparel exporter worldwide beating China as an increased number of buyers are coming to the country, said Dan W Mozena.
Now, Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporter.
The country has the potential to do better in the sectors such as pharma-ceuticals, finished leather goods, jute and jute goods, silk and agriculture, he said.
Mozena was talking to a group of journalists after a meeting with Industries Minister Dilip Barua at the latter's office in Dhaka.
The envoy also said if the government can arrange training programmes for developing human resources, the country will be able to export more manpower to Malaysia and the Middle East countries.
After the meeting, Barua said the country's development is dependent on a stable political situation, fight against fundamentalism and the growth of private entrepreneurship.
He said Bangladesh will not be affected by the global recession for five important reasons -- the country's self-sufficiency in food; a vibrant garment sector; $12 billion worth remittances sent by 7.5 million Bangladeshis abroad; revival of industries, and people's reluctance to a credit economy.