The second ‘Bangladesh International Industrial and Engineering Technology Tradeshow (BIET-2011) began in the city yesterday to display the latest technological advancements of light industrial and engineering equipments of local and foreign companies.Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners Association (BEIOA) and India-based ASK Trade and Exhibitions are jointly organising the four-day exposition at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
Industries Minister Dilip Barua formally inaugurated the fair with Bangladesh Engineering Owners Association president Abdur Razzaque in the chair.AK Azad, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Fakrul Islam, chairman of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) addressed the inagural function as special guests. Speaking as chief guest Dilip Barua said: “The fair will contribute much in developing the light engineering sector of Bangladesh through branding it. It will work as a catalyst to boost the confidence of local entrepreneurs.” He said as a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), the light engineering industry has created employment opportunities for many in Bangladesh and also saved foreign currency through producing import alternative products in home.
Barua said his government has included the light engineering sector as thrust sector in the National Industrial Policy 2010, after considering its importance for country’s economic development. “I believe establishing SME industry in every corner of the country is absolutely possible through this sector,” he added.AK Azad said about 30,000 light engineering industries have contributed a lot to the country’s economy. But he blamed lack of coordination among different ministries, infrastructure shortage and faulty banking system creating hindrance to the sector. “I can ensure the government of huge investment in the sector but the government will has to ensure smooth power and gas supply,” he said.
The FBCCI president said it is possible to take our economic growth to 8-10 percent if the government can develop infrastructure facilities and ensure smooth supply of gas and power.
BEIOA President Abdur Razzaque said they have lots of successful light engineering products but due to the lack of proper publicity, they failed to secure recognition in local and international arena.
“I hope the fair will give us opportunity to get the due recognition,” he said.
He also echoed the FBCCI president AK Azad, saying that infrastructure development is most crucial to develop the sector.A total of 100 local, Indian and Chinese companies are participating at the exposition. The fair will remain open to public from 10:00am to 8:00pm until Saturday.
News Source: The Daily Sun