DHAKA: Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) hailed the proposed budget 2010-2011 as pro-people, export-and trade-friendly but stopped to foretell that it might fuel further the rising inflation.  

The apex trade body of the export sector said though the government is thinking about raising the pay scale to cushion the impacts of inflation, it has to enhance the purchasing capacity to give the benefits of the budget to the common man.

The suggestion came from a press conference on ‘proposed budget of 2010-2011 FY’ at its office in city’s Karwanbazar area.  

BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy said the focal point of the budget is investment and the target growth of the GDP would be hopefully achieved.

He suggested declaring ‘coal policy’ and producing coal-based electricity to reduce dependence on the scarce gas. “It will save gas and the saved gas can be supplied to new industries,” said the BGMEA chief.

He also called for implementing the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme to make up for the shortage of investment in infrastructure sector and formulating full-fledged legal framework of PPP. “The government should make clear the guideline in this regard.”

Replying to a question, Salam Murshedy said a wage board is working to set minimum wages for the RMG workers. He expressed the hope that the board would take decision considering all aspects.

BDST: 1727 Hrs, June 15, 2010
SR/NS/SA/MMA/MUA