Higher imports than exports not new for Bangladesh: Commerce Minister

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Commerce Minister in charge of the Ministries of Jute and Textiles and Industry and Commerce, does not view higher imports and lower exports in bilateral trade as something abnormal or novel for Bangladesh. In his view, exports are lower than imports in many countries of the world. Such a picture has been continuing in Bangladesh for a long time as well.

He made the remarks while replying to questions from journalists after inaugurating the Sylhet Metropolitan BNP office at his residence in the Kazirbazar area of Sylhet city at noon on Tuesday (September 1).

The commerce minister said imports have been higher than exports in Bangladesh’s foreign trade since independence. A huge quantity of raw materials required for the country’s industrial production has to be brought from abroad. As a result, the volume of imports remains higher naturally. He said nearly 60 to 70 lakh tonnes of wheat still have to be imported every year. However, Bangladesh has already achieved self-sufficiency in rice and several other agricultural products.

Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government is attaching importance to creating new markets and sectors for exports alongside increasing the volume of bilateral trade. He said it is not only about reducing the gap between imports and exports; potential sectors have to be identified by attracting new investment. Work is under way to improve the trade balance by increasing production in these sectors and expanding exports. He also expressed hope that the benefits of this will be available in the future.

Meanwhile, the commerce minister also spoke about the matter of assigning 30 ministers and members of parliament the responsibility of coordinating development and law and order at the district level. When the issue of criticism from various quarters and legal steps from the opposition in this regard came up, he said this responsibility will not create any lack of coordination in party activities. Rather, it will play a role in reviewing the organizational strength of the party in various areas and bringing new momentum to activities.

He further said the party has assigned different persons to different areas on the basis of a specific plan and strategy. Those who will work in whichever responsibility will discharge their duties as dedicated workers of the party.

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP president Nasim Hossain, general secretary Emdad Hossain Chowdhury, BNP central assistant organising secretary Miftah Siddiqui, National Executive Committee member Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim and leaders and activists of various levels of the party were present at the office inauguration programme.