The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has urged the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to establish a petrochemical industry in the Matarbari-Moheshkhali project area.
"Bangladesh lacks a petrochemical industry. Therefore, a petrochemical complex is needed to keep the country's industrial development and economic growth going," FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin said at a discussion with JICA officials at the apex trade body office in the capital's Motijheel on Thursday
He also called for undertaking development projects in the sustainable energy sector.
Bangladesh's geographical location and offshore economy showcase huge potential, he said. "However, harnessing these opportunities requires further development in infrastructure, port and energy sector."
"Therefore JICA, as a trusted development partner of Bangladesh may devise projects in these areas," Mr Uddin suggested.
Deputy Director of the JICA Headquarters Asakawa Yuka hoped that the cooperation from the private sector of Bangladesh would make the Matarbari-Moheshkhali integrated development initiative successful.
FBCCI Director and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) President Md Saiful Islam called for JICA's cooperation in FBCCI Innovation and Research Centre.
FBCCI Director Abul Kasem Khan expected JICA to conduct a feasibility study on upgrading the existing four-lane Dhaka-Chattogram highway to eight lanes. FBCCI Vice-President Md Habib Ullah Dawn and directors Engr Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir and Amzad Hussain also spoke at the meeting.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com