Industrial sector needs massive expansion: Commerce minister

Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said the country's industrial sector must be expanded significantly.

He made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of a five-day industrial fair organised at the BSCIC building in Tejgaon, capital, on Sunday afternoon, July 5.

The minister said the industrial sector must be expanded through the speedy implementation of ongoing and new projects. He directed BSCIC officials to submit specific and realistic proposals within the next seven days.

He said expanding the scope and participation of the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSME) sector would increase employment and reduce income inequality.

The minister said BSCIC currently contributes 34 per cent to the country's GDP, with a plan to increase this to 60 per cent in the future.

He also directed that unused BSCIC plots across the country be allocated to eligible entrepreneurs quickly. He warned that allocations for plots that remain abandoned for years after allocation would be cancelled.