Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday assured the country's garment exporters of the government's full support for the growth of the sector and directed the authorities concerned to remove major bottlenecks as quickly as possible.
“The government will do whatever is necessary for the growth of the garment industry. Solving the problems faced by businesses is also our responsibility, and we are committed to fulfilling that responsibility,” he said.
The prime minister gave the assurance during a meeting with a delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat, said his Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.
The delegation was led by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
The BGMEA leaders briefed the prime minister on the challenges facing the ready-made garment industry, including the need for uninterrupted gas and electricity supply.
They also placed a number of short- and long-term proposals aimed at strengthening the sector.
Tarique Rahman listened to the business leaders and instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to take prompt steps to resolve the issues that can be addressed immediately.
"We have already started working to solve your problems. Many of these are long-standing issues that have built up over the years. Those that can be resolved now will be addressed without any delay," he said.
The prime minister said the government is committed to the sustainable development of the garment industry, describing it as one of the main drivers of the country's economy.
"Infrastructure development for the garment sector is already underway. Once these improvements are completed, they will further strengthen the economy and help Bangladesh move forward. We are working sincerely for the sector's sustainable growth," he said.
Tarique Rahman also said the government had unveiled a business-friendly budget to encourage trade and investment.
After the meeting, the BGMEA delegation presented a commemorative crest to the prime minister.
Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser on Labor and Employment Mahdi Amin, BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain and other BGMEA leaders attended the meeting.