The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) has sought an allocation of Tk 1.0 billion in the upcoming budget to facilitate development of infrastructure and capacity of the apex trade body and, its chambers and associations.
Immediate past FBCCI president M Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin sent a letter in the last week of April to Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, seeking the fund.
The scope of work of the apex trade body widened significantly with 72 chambers, 14 women chambers and 398 associations across the country, the letter reads, while the present infrastructure capacities of the chambers and associations are very poor.
Mr. Mohiuddin expected that the country's economy would be strengthened and expedited while the announced vision 2021 would be achieved smoothly if the FBCCI gets government's support for infrastructure development of its stakeholders.
The Apex trade body sought the allocation for reforming its Motijheel building, capacity building of the chambers and associations, setting up of FBCCI institute, arbitration centre, policy research institute and setting up a FBCCI international university.
When contacted, a FBCCI member said the apex trade body cooperates with the government in preparing industry and trade policy, increasing revenue and industrialization.
But the federation chamber cannot cooperate with the government properly due to shortage of infrastructure of the chambers and associations.
He, however, said the FBCCI provides all kinds of necessary supports to the district chambers and trade associations across the country.
The FBCCI is playing a pivotal role in consultative and advisory capacity, safeguarding the interest of the private sector.
