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Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Saturday assured the investors and entrepreneurs of the government's continued support for creating a business and production-friendly environment to facilitate flourishing industries in the country.
The government will not do business, but will help create an environment to be friendly for the investors and entrepreneurs, he told the closing ceremony of the 1st National Industrial Fair-2019 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the city.
Some 335 entrepreneurs from different sectors had taken part in the fair. However, many of the interested ones could not take part in the event.
"We could not facilitate them. Next year, we will try to bring more entrepreneurs to display their goods," he said, adding that his ministry would try to make the exhibition more organized in future.
Mr. Humayun, however, pointed out that Bangladesh has turned into an industry-based country from agriculture one. Currently, he added, the contribution of the industries sector to gross domestic product (GDP) is 33.71 per cent and would increase to 40 per cent soon.
State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, Industries Secretary Md Abdul Halim and President of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury, among others, were present at the event.
Mr. Kamal Majumdar said development of skills is very urgent for sustainable development of the industry sector. The activities of Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (BITAC) will be expanded in the district level to create required number of skilled manpower for the industries.
The ministry awarded a total of 24 entrepreneurs from eight categories of industries for their outstanding performances in displaying the products in the stalls.
The fair began on Sunday last aiming to exhibit local products and expand market. Considering requests by the participants, the fair has been extended till Monday next.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the fair as the chief guest while entrepreneurs from small, medium, large, cottage and handicraft sectors took part.
Jute products, agro-processed foods, leather goods, electrical and electronics appliances, light engineering, IT and plastic and synthetic goods, handicrafts, design and fashion wears were displayed in the fair.