UK car production fall

UK car production fell 30.9 % in 2009 from the previous year following the collapse in the global car market, industry figures have shown. Just under one million cars were made in the UK last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT). The fall in production came despite a strong December, which saw production rebound by more than 58 % compared with December 2008. However, the SMMT warned that 2010 would remain tough for manufacturers. "The significant rise in December vehicle production is welcome news and signals some greater stability across global automotive markets," said Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT. "We expect the year ahead to be extremely challenging... [and] car and commercial vehicle production will remain well below pre- recession levels." Commercial vehicle production was down more than 55 % in 2009 , the figures show. Scrappage effect Car production fell globally last year in response to the collapse in demand for cars following the economic downturn. However, the government's car scrappage scheme, introduced in May and extended in September, was credited with boosting demand. The SMMT estimates the scheme - which offers a £2 ,000 incentive to scrap old cars and buy new ones - has been responsible for about a fifth of all new car registrations since its introduction in May last year. However, the scheme is expected to run out of funding in February. "Consumers still wanting to benefit from the scheme should put their orders in quickly as time is running out," said a spokesman from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. The spokesman added that the industry had " responded well to challenges" in 2009 , using temporary cuts in production to prevent permanent loss of capacity.

Motorola in Blackberry complaint

Motorola has asked US regulators to ban Research in Motion (RIM), the Canadian firm behind the Blackberry, from importing its products into the US. The phone company claims that the Blackberry maker has been illegally using its wi-fi related technology. A court case is already pending in the US but Motorola has accused RIM of "delaying tactics". Motorola has lodged its complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) in the hope of a quicker result. "Motorola has no choice but to file a complaint with the ITC to halt RIM's continued infringement" said Motorola's legal representative, Jonathan Meyer. The ITC typically takes about a month to decide whether to launch an investigation, which takes 12 to 14 months to complete. It can't award damages but it can stop products from being shipped into the US. The complaint stems from the two companies failing to renew a cross-licensing agreement. "These patented technologies are important to Motorola as the allow for more comprehensive connectivity, a better user experience and lower product costs," Motorola said in its statement. Research In Motion declined to comment on the case.

Sony Ericsson post loss

Mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson on Friday said its loss in the fourth quarter narrowed 9 per cent from a year ago to euro167 million ($235 million), as improved margins and lower costs offset a slump in sales. The figure compared with a euro187 million loss last year, but sales fell 40 per cent as the joint venture between LM Ericsson and Sony Corp. was caught unprepared by consumers' rapid shift to touch screen phones. Bert Nordberg, Sony Ericsson's new president, said that although he expects 2010 to be a challenging year, he is confident the group's cost-cutting measures and move toward more mid- and high-end products has put his company 'on the right track.' 'We will continue to focus on returning the company to profitability by establishing Sony Ericsson as the communication entertainment brand based on an exciting portfolio,' he said, pointing to recently announced products such as its Android-based phone XPERIA X10. Units shipped in the October- December period amounted to 14.6 million units, up 3 per cent from the third quarter but still down 40 per cent from the same period a year ago. For the full year 2009, the net loss amounted to euro836 million, compared with a previous profit of euro73 million. In 2008, Sony Ericsson launched a cost-cutting program under which it had by the end of 2009 slashed its global workforce by around 2,500 people to 9, 100. Sony Ericsson, which aims to cut operating costs by euro880 million, reiterated that the full effect of the measures are expected in the second half of this year.

Asia-Pacific airlines passenger reduce

Asia-Pacific airlines suffered a 5.7 per cent drop in passenger numbers and an 11 per cent slump in cargo traffic in 2009 as they weathered their worst ever downturn, an industry body said Friday. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines said that the collapse in corporate travel and intense price competition during the global recession saw airline revenues tumble 20-25 per cent. 'We have been through downturns before, but none as severe as we've experienced in the past two years,' AAPA director general Andrew Herdman said in a statement. Airlines cut flights and cargo capacity, and shaved back on costs, but were still not able to fully offset the effects of sharply lower revenues, compounded by continuing volatility in oil prices, he said. 'Overall, Asia Pacific airlines are expected to report significant losses for 2009, following similar heavy losses suffered in 2008,' he said. However, Herdman said traffic numbers in recent months had shown signs of recovery. 'The cargo business is regaining some of its dynamism, and passenger demand on short haul leisure routes within the region has already picked up, although business travel demand is recovering more slowly,' he said. Regional airlines faced the task of ' conserving cash, rebuilding damaged balance sheets, and carefully managing capacity to match demand as they work towards restoring profitability.' 'Whilst we remain hopeful about future prospects, the outlook for 2010 very much depends on the sustainability of what still appears to be a rather fragile global economic recovery.' The International Air Transport Association has said it expects Asia- Pacific carriers to lose $700 million this year, an improvement from the $3.4 billion lost last year. Singapore Airlines posted its first quarterly loss in six years during the June 2009 quarter and deferred the delivery of eight A380 superjumbos. Australia's Qantas and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific also saw earnings slump.

McDonald’s sales and profit rise

More hungry diners gobbling its cheap eats helped McDonald's Corp's sales and profit grow in its fourth quarter, the company said Friday in an earnings report showing it continued to weather the downturn better than many of its fast-food competitors. But sales growth at its US restaurants continued to slow and net revenue fell for the year. For the three months that ended December 31, the world's largest burger chain earned $1.22 billion, or $1.11 per share. That's 23 per cent more than a year earlier when it earned $985.3 million, or 87 cents per share. Excluding a one-time benefit of 8 cents per share, McDonald's profit topped analyst estimates by a penny per share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters, who typically omit one-time items from their estimates, expected the chain to earn $1.02 per share for the quarter. Revenue climbed 7 per cent to $5.97 billion from $5.57 billion. Analysts expected revenue of $5.94 billion. Because of its size and its increasingly popular dollar menu, McDonald's was an early beneficiary of the recession as diners traded down from pricier restaurants. But sales at its restaurants that have been open at least a year have slowed as penny-pinching diners tried to cut back still further. The figure grew 2.3 per cent worldwide for the fourth quarter and 0.1 per cent in the U.S., McDonald's said Friday. That was its weakest quarterly increase in at least three years. The figure is an important measure for restaurants because it excludes the effect of restaurants opening or closing during the year.

General Electric Co’s profit fall

General Electric Co's quarterly earnings topped Wall Street expectations, as it kept costs in line despite sluggish demand for jet engines, railroad locomotives and other heavy equipment. The largest US conglomerate said on Friday that fourth-quarter profit attributable to common shareholders fell 19 per cent to $2.94 billion, or 28 cents per share, from $3.65 billion, or 35 cents per share, a year earlier. Analysts on average expected profit of 26 cents per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue fell 10 per cent to $41.44 billion. Wall Street had looked for revenue of $40.02 billion. GE shares eased 1 per cent to $15.85 in pre- market trading. Chief executive Jeff Immelt said the company's 2010 financial 'framework,' which calls for 2010 earnings to be about equal to 2009 results, 'quite achievable.' The world's biggest maker of jet engines and electricity-producing turbines has been hit hard by the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and is working to scale back its hefty GE Capital finance arm, which has invested heavily in commercial real estate. Profit was down at all GE units except for its energy infrastructure arm, which makes turbines and equipment used in oil and gas production. This will be a year of significant portfolio changes for GE. The company reached an agreement last month to sell a majority stake in its NBC Universal media business to top US cable operator Comcast Corp. GE officials expect that deal — which needs regulatory approval — to close late this year.

China’s crude steel output rise

China's crude steel output rose 13.5 per cent in 2009, official data shows, which analysts say could weaken the position of the nation's steel mills in this year's iron ore contract price negotiations. Production reached 567.8 million tonnes last year, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, partly due to massive public spending on infrastructure projects. Analysts said the figure was a record and may increase pressure on Beijing to accept higher prices for iron ore — the key ingredient used to make steel — during talks with the world's major miners. 'In a situation where the industry is expected to increase output and its demand for iron ore, this impacts the iron ore price talks,' Fitch Ratings analyst Lim Su Aik told AFP. Lim said steel output could reach 600 million tonnes this year. 'The fiscal stimulus policy is still in place and the infrastructure projects are very much driven by government spending and that is one key driver for steel demand,' Lim said. China's iron ore imports surged 41.6 per cent to 627.8 million tonnes in 2009, with the value falling 17.4 per cent as prices were hit by the global downturn, customs data shows.

EU deligation visit Bangladeshi shrimp industry

A three-member delegation of the European Union (EU) arrives here tomorrow to observe the shrimp industry, as freshwater shrimps worth Tk 300 crore have been prepared here for export. The delegation of the EU's Food and Veterinary Mission will visit some shrimp processing factories, shrimp enclosures and hatcheries during their three-day visit. They will also exchange views with people involved with the shrimp industry, the country's second-biggest foreign-currency earning sector. Export of freshwater shrimps to the EU resumes this month after six months' suspension since June last following detection of health-hazardous antibiotic Nitrofuran in consignments of exported shrimps in January 2009. The importers had cancelled over 50 consignments of lobsters bound for Europe. As a result, export of the frozen shrimps remained suspended, creating a crisis in the sector. Now, freshwater shrimps worth Tk 300 crore have been prepared here for export. Bangladesh earned Tk 414.34 crore in shrimp export last fiscal year with Tk 300 crore from the EU countries.

‘Zoom Laptop Fair 2010’ draw huge crowd i n Bangladesh

The three-day 'Zoom Laptop Fair 2010' has drawn huge crowd due to the increasing demand of laptops than the conventional personal computers. The fair, organised by Maker Communication, showcased top brands of laptops like Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Hasee, Gigabyte, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba, BenQ and Apple. On the concluding day of the fair on Friday, visitors especially the teenagers, students and professionals thronged in large numbers at the fair premises at Bangbanabdhu Conference Centre in the capital. Talking to the news agency, business development manager of Maker Communi-cation Md Ashif Sorwar Khan said they are very happy with the overall response received by the fair. 'The sale is good for all the participants and we hope some 5,000-8, 000 visitors today due to the weekend,' he added. The theme of the fair was 'Lit up the technological life'. Maker Communication executive informed that the fair would be able to achieve its sale target of 6,000 laptops this time, as world class brands of laptops were on display. He said although laptops of different price range were on display, the visitors including students and businessmen especially look for laptops and net books ranging between Tk 25,000-Tk 50, 000. After purchasing a Toshiba brand laptop at Tk 45,000 from Smart Techno- logies, Zosy, a student of Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University, said he was very pleased to select his laptop from a wide variety of collections. He said the price of different brands of laptops is decreasing day by day. 'The fair should be an annual event not only in the capital but also in the divisional cities.' Md Showkat Ali, a senior executive of Thakral Information Systems Pvt Ltd that showcased Lenovo brand laptops, said they are showcasing 12 models ranging from Tk 30,500-Tk 89,500. He said they are also giving a modem or a colour printer on each purchase of laptop against special offer for the fair.

South Korea will make more job opportunites

South Korea said Thursday it aimed to create more than 2,50,000 new jobs this year because the employment market remains fragile despite a growing economic recovery. The figure is higher than an earlier target of 2,00,000, the government said in a statement after a meeting of economy-related ministries. About 890,000 people were officially listed as jobless at the end of last year. But the government estimates the actual number at 1.82 million, including people with only temporary jobs and others who are not actively looking for work. 'Despite the fast-recovering economy, employment conditions remain in a slump as they usually lag behind the pace of a rebound,' the statement said. Finance minister Yoon Jeung-Hyun said the government would provide tax and other benefits to small and medium-sized companies to support recruitment.

Emirates Bangladesh give great offer

Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates airline, is offering Indian Ocean Beach Bonus packages to the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles packages for Bangladeshi travellers. The packages enable Bangladeshis to relax in the resorts of these three favourite destinations of theirs till March 31, said a news release. Rewarding four nights' packages for the price of three nights are available at five five-star resorts and a four-star resort in the Maldives, the release said. Husain Al Safi, Emirates acting area manager Bangladesh. said, 'Our Indian Ocean Beach Bonus packages are the perfect way to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Take your pick from secluded islands in the Maldives, Seychelles and luxurious beach resorts in Mauritius.' Emirates operates 17 flights a week between Dhaka and Dubai with convenient onward connections to the airlines global network.

Save tea industry in Bangladesh

Eminent economist Wahiduddin Mahmood on Thursday observed that the tea industry, which was once a booming sector, had become sick due to lack of research, modernisation, good management and lack of financial assistance. He urged the government to take necessary steps to save the country's moribund tea industry. Addressing a function on the occasion of launching a book, titled Cha Sramiker Katha [The Story of Tea Workers], edited by Philip Gain, Mahmood recalled that the tea industry had got a momentum in 1980s but later it started to become a sick sector. He stressed on using modern technology to revive the sick industry. The economist lamented that Bangladeshi workers were getting lower wages compared to that in other tea growing countries. He pointed out the maximum daily wage of a tea worker is only Tk 48 which is a pittance considering the price-hike of essentials. The minimum daily wage of tea worker is Tk 45. The rights of the tea workers were not ensured because of their exclusion from society which has a legacy of slavery and colonialism, Mahmood said. 'Trade union rights of the tea workers should be ensured to stop unethical exploitation by the owners of tea the estates,' he said.\ Society for Environment and Human Development organised the book launching programme at the National Press Club in the city. Chaired by SEHD Chairman Shakhawat Ali Khan, the function was addressed by, among others, coordinator of Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir, former chairman of international relations department of Dhaka University Amena Mohsin, Chairman of Minimum Wage Board Ikteder Ahmed, member of Bangladesh Tea Association M Shah Alam, tea worker leaders Tapon Dutta and Ranbhajan Koiri. Speaking on the occasion, Khushi Kabir said the respective garden owners and the government should come forward with initiatives to ensure fair wages for the tea workers.

Toyota Motor has recalled more car

Toyota Motor has recalled around 2.3 million vehicles in the United States to fix a problem with their accelerator pedals, the company's US division announced on Thursday. The company said the recall was to correct accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models that could "in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position." The action was separate to an ongoing recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles that was begun last year due to a risk that loose driver-side floor mats could slip forward and jam the pedals, it said. "In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats," Irv Miller, vice president of Toyota Motor Sales USA, said in a statement. "Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position," he added.

Gold price fall

Gold prices on Thursday fell towards $1 ,100 ( Dh4 ,040) an ounce in Europe on Thursday as the dollar's rise to a five-month high versus the euro curbed buying of the precious metal as an alternative asset. Spot gold was bid at $1 , 103.65 an ounce at 1031 GMT, against $1 , 111.10 late in New York on Wednesday. US gold futures for February delivery on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell $8.60 to $1 , 104.00. The dollar yesterday hit a five-month high versus the euro as investors spooked by concerns over Greece's rising debt sold the single currency. Tobias Merath, head of commodities research at Credit Suisse, said while the strong dollar was negative, falling bond yields in the United States, which made gold a more attractive alternative asset, were supporting the metal. "Bond yields in US have been coming down, and this is a positive factor for gold because gold is a non-yielding asset," he said. "We have had two diverging factors at work - the dollar strengthening, but yields falling because of the risk aversion/bond rally." The euro extended losses after a reading of the euro zone purchasing managers' index missed consensus. Strength in the dollar versus the euro curbs gold's appeal as an alternative asset and makes dollar-priced commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies. "Bullion should continue trading against the US currency, tracking the broader market," VTB Capital said in a note. "We see our key support holding at $1 ,090 in case we lose more ground." On the wider markets, oil prices were steady, supported by strong Chinese growth data. Asian stocks fell as investors worried China would take more measures to temper growth after its fastest quarterly growth in two years, and European shares were flat. In India, historically the world's largest consumer of gold, traders continued to buy as prices hit new two-week lows.

Iran gas deal with Azerbaijan

An Iranian official said that Tehran is planning to finalize the contract of long-term gas imports from Azerbaijan, the local English language Press TV reported on Thursday. Iran and Azerbaijan will finalize a long-term contract for Azerbaijani gas supplies within the next three months, Head of National Iranian Gas Export Company (NIGEC) Seyed Reza Kasayeezadeh was quoted as saying. Currently, Iran has a short-term gas supply deal with its northern neighbor which will run out in April this year. On January 13 , Iran struck a short-term agreement to import some 500 million cubic meters of gas per day from neighboring Azerbaijan. The import is aimed to meet the needs of its northern regions which are a long way from the country's own gas fields in the south. "Iran expects to ink another contract to increase the amount of imported gas from Azerbaijan to 2 billion cubic meters per day," Kasayeezadeh said on Wednesday. Azerbaijan and Iran are connected by the Kazi Magomed - Astara gas pipeline, 1 ,474.5 km long. Its capacity is about 10 billion cubic meters per year.

Google profit rise

Google on Thursday posted a five-fold rise in quarterly net profit to 1.97 billion dollars as the Internet giant turned its back on the fiscal crisis and faced off with Chinese censors. Google said fourth-quarter revenue climbed 17 percent to 6.67 billion dollars and that it finished 2009 with its net profit up 54 percent to 6.52 billion dollars. "Given that the global economy is still in the early days of recovery, this was an extraordinary end to the year," Google chief executive Eric Schmidt said. Schmidt credited Google's management team, innovative talent, and business model as building blocks for the stellar final months of 2009. "As we enter 2010 , we remain hugely optimistic about the Internet and are continuing to invest heavily in technological innovation for the benefit not only of our users and customers, but also the wider Web," Schmidt said. In what could be good news for the economy and bode well for other Internet companies, Google saw a 13- percent increase in "paid clicks" on ads posted at its online properties. While Google tightly managed its budget through the economic meltdown, it feels the time is ripe to acquire promising new companies or technologies, according to executives.

Broadband internet increase earning in BANGLADESH

The annual earning from broadband internet penetration in Bangladesh is expected to reach Tk 128 billion by 2020 if the country ensures a rule-based policy regime, a study said yesterday. Bangladesh's internet penetration rate may grow to 32 percent at household level and 66 percent at business level by 2020 from the existing average of four percent, according to the study conducted by Boston Consulting Group USA. Of the expected income, 90 percent will be generated only through the internet-based business. Mobile broadband will play a crucial role in reaching internet to the mass, said the study conducted on behalf of Telenor Group, the majority shareholder in Bangladesh's mobile giant Grameenphone. Ola Jo Tandre, director of Telenor Group ( communications, corporate responsibility), showed the prospect of Bangladesh in a presentation at a seminar on 'Achieving 2021 : A Digital Age for Bangladesh' organised by GSM Association at Radisson Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka. GSM (Global System of Mobile Communication) Association safeguards the interest of the mobile communications industry globally. The association unites around 800 mobile operators from 219 countries. "Bangladesh has a bigger chance than any other countries to use its 3 G (third generation) spectrum for broadband rollout," said Tom Phillips, government and regulatory affairs officer (public policy) of the association. Citing an example, he said Bangladesh's spectrum is not massively used by armed forces like in India, which is an advantage for Bangladesh to offer affordable broadband. "Spectrum cost should be nominal to ensure the affordability of broadband services," said Phillips. Bangladesh's Telecom Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said the government will not go for auction to award 3 G licences like WiMax licence, which was awarded at a hefty price of Tk 215 crore. Phillips said 1.3 billion fixed phones now cover 19.4 percent of the world's total population, while 4.3 billion mobile lines link 64 percent. GSM operators cover 80 percent of the total mobile subscribers. A 10 percentage-point increase in internet penetration leads to 1-1.25 percent leap in GDP (gross domestic product), 3-10 percent jump in production, one percent in new business, 2 percent in FDI (foreign direct investment) and 8-9 percent increase in government revenues, the study found. In Bangladesh, 48 percent urban people are aware of internet services, while 29 percent of the rural population have heard about the service. "Introduction of mobile broadband will help achieve the government's target of 'Digital Bangladesh' by 2021 , perhaps even ahead of the time. The telecom industry in Bangladesh would be honoured to be part of making this vision a reality," said Hakan Rusch, president and country manager of Ericsson Bangladesh Ltd, in a presentation. Yeafesh Osman, state minister for science and ICT, Zia Ahmed, chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Oddvar Hesjedal, chief executive officer of Grameenphone, and Frode Stoldal, chief technical officer, also spoke at the event. Bangladesh will have around 20 million internet subscribers by 2020 if proper policy support is provided, and 90 percent of the users will be added through wireless connections. The study was part of an in-depth research into the adoption rate of internet and its impact in the emerging economies with special focus on Bangladesh, Thailand and Serbia. Currently around five million people in Bangladesh enjoy internet services offered by both mobile and fixed internet service providers. While talking about the possibilities of internet penetration in Bangladesh, Tandre said: "The patient-doctor ratio in Bangladesh is 4000 :1 , which is 1750 :1 in India. So, internet can provide a perfect link between a patient in the rural area to a doctor sitting in a city hospital. In this way, we can lower the count. " "The internet can also diversify the sources of income, for example in agriculture by improving price systems and reducing the reliance on middlemen. The internet can increase considerably the prices the farmers receive for their output." The study suggested ensuring transparency and predictability through better governance by reducing the uncertainty faced by the providers. The government and the regulator should make sure that a high quality regulatory regime is in place.

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.

Dhaka-New York flight will start by march

The government hopes that operation of Dhaka-New York flight will resume by next March following addition of some leased Boeing 777 aircraft in the meantime. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Quader said this in parliament yesterday in reply to a supplementary question from Awami League lawmaker Manjur Quader Qureshi (Netrakna-3). Replying to another part of the question, the minister said the government is taking steps to construct an international airport adjacent to the capital city. "A preliminary committee formed earlier for pre-feasibility study will submit its report within this month and then the government will take next steps." Replying to another question the minister said the process of constructing Khan Jahan Ali airport is going on as acquisition of land for this has been done. BSS adds: Quader also said the government has taken various measurers including setting up exclusive tourist zones and appointment of tourist police to attract more tourists in the country. "The cabinet in principle approved the draft of Bangladesh Tourism Protected Area and Special Tourist Zone Act, 2009 ," he said. Through the act, a legal framework for raising a planned and coordinated tourist facilities is being prepared under public and private initiatives, he said. "A mega plan has also been taken for the development of different tourist spots across the country including Cox's Bazar and Kuakata sea beaches to attract increased number of tourists," he added. The government has a plan to celebrate a month in 2010 as a "Tourism Month" while " Tourism Year" would be observed in 2011 at the time of World Cup Cricket.