Salam Murshedy tells banglanews

‘Loan interest should be reduced’

DHAKA: President of Exporters’ Association of Bangladesh (EAB) Abdus Salam Murshedy demanded for lessening interest rate on bank loan and providing subsidy on interest in the upcoming budget with a view to creating new export market.

The president of EAB came up with the plea while talking to banglanews in an exclusive interview Monday.

The former president of BGMEA also talked about the exporters’ expectation on the budget of fiscal year 2012-13, which kind of budget can reduce export deficit and increase the GDP.

He also demanded for sufficient financial allocation in the budget for providing policy aid to increase export, uninterrupted incentives for the expansion of new market, setting up deep sea port and increase industrial infrastructure of the country.

“We can extend new market for incentives. Our exports have been increased than the previous years. So, the government should keep continue the incentives in the upcoming budget,” he said.

He added: “Incentives should be given considering the importance of industry. Important and export oriented sectors have to be emphasized.”

Mentioning that the budget would be export friendly if it is made following two challenges, he said, “The first challenge is to expand new market for keeping up demand of commodities in world market. The second one is the challenge of creating industrial infrastructure of the country.”

Regarding infrastructure challenges, he said, “The production cost is increasing for the price hike of gas, power and diesel. But supply has not increased in line with the price hike. So, producing goods in due time has become a challenge.”

The leader of the business community told banglanews that about 5 crore people are dependant on readymade garments industry. “So, the government should consider the vast number of people in making the budget,” he said.  

In response to a query, he said, “The government should not depend on internal sectors to fulfill budget deficit. It should give emphasize on foreign aid from international organizations.”

Regarding tax management, Salam Murshedy said, “Tax management should be made easy. The areas of tax have to be increased to boost revenue income.”

BDST: 2055 HRS, MAY 21, 2012

Edited by:
Shahin Afroz, Newsroom Editor
M. Mahbub Alam, Asst Output Editor