Business leaders will develop port city CTG

The Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CMCCI) leaders yesterday pledged to work united to advance the port city and contribute to the country's economic development. Addressing a press conference, they said divided leadership, in both business and politics, was the reason that held Chittagong back. The press meet was called to announce the installation of the board of directors of the organisation that is scheduled for tomorrow. Commerce Minister Faruk Khan will be chief guest at the installation ceremony at the Tennis Complex of Chittagong Club Limited, CMCCI President Abdus Salam said. Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr Afsarul Ameen, State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipankar Talukdar and Chittagong City Corporation Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury will also be present as special guests. On formation of a separate chamber, CMCCI, that resulted in a split in the centuries-old Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the CMCCI president said: "A metropolitan chamber was needed as chamber activities had to be extended to keep pace with increasing development and economic activities." "Misunderstandings may exist, but those should not continue. We call to make united efforts to remove the problems faced by business communities and Chittagong," said Salam. "We want a proper use of the nation's resources and we believe Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not do anything against the interests of the country," said Salam, on whether they have suggestions to develop infrastructure and increase facilities that may be required to open the Chittagong Port to India or any other neighbouring country. "She will certainly do whatever is required." The CMCCI leaders said they would work side by side with the government to help remove the power and gas crises. CMCCI First Vice-President Khalilur Rahman, Directors Alihussain Akbarali, Shakhawat Hossain, Sufi Mizanur Rahman and Mahabub Chowdhury were also present. CMCCI got approval to work as a business organisation from the commerce ministry on January 6 last year and it carried out some activities for two months before CCCI President MA Latif MP in March filed a writ petition with the High Court, challenging the legality of the organisation. However, CMCCI was able to resume activities after eight months, when the High Court rejected the writ petition on November 24 , 2009.