Bangladeshi industrial minister said "Bangladesh will see huge inv estment in 2011"

Industries Minister Dilip Barua yesterday said Bangladesh would see huge investment in its industrial sector in 2011. "There'll be huge investment in the industrial sector in 2011 ," Barua said at a meeting with the newly elected leaders of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at his office. The minister said an industry-friendly atmosphere created in the country over the last one year due to various steps taken by the government. "Investors both from home and abroad have shown their keen interest to invest in Bangladesh." He said a research and development cell would be set up in his ministry to help local and foreign entrepreneurs. He also proposed various businesspeople and entrepreneurs sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase public- private partnership. The DCCI delegation led by its President Abul Kasem Khan welcomed the steps taken to alleviate poverty in the draft industrial policy. They underscored the need for mitigating energy and power crises, finalising the national coal policy and reforming the tax structure. The trade body also highlighted the importance of modernising Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and river and rail network, and setting up of special economic zones with support from private entrepreneurs. In response, the minister assured the DCCI of providing all possible cooperation from his ministry. Industries Secretary Dewan Zakir Hussain was also present.