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Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman has assured the country's plastic goods producers and exporters of considering six per cent duty on plastic raw materials, which is presently 13 per cent.
He said this while inaugurating the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA)-organised four-day International Plastic Fair-2005 at the city's Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre Thursday.
He also assured the BPGMEA leaders of reviewing their 10-point demand to ensure the plastic industry's growth. He also emphasised on preserving the environment as well.
The minister said the uses of plastic products are increasing day by day, as people are gradually using these for household purposes and official uses.
The minister put emphasis on using plastic furniture rather than wooden furniture to save the environment and to maintain ecological balance.
Regarding the issuance of licence for export-oriented polybag and woven-bag industry from the directorate under the Environment Ministry, Saifur said it has to be decided yet what is environment-friendly and what is not.
Replying to the demand of withdrawing 25 per cent bank guarantee on all the raw materials of export-oriented plastic industries, Saifur assured the exporters of considering it seriously.
Regarding the empowerment of BPGMEA to issue the utilisation permit (UP), Saifur replied to consider the matter positively.
The minister also assured the plastic-product producers and exporters to discuss all their demands in the cabinet meeting and examine it thoroughly.
Commerce Adviser Barkat Ullah Bulu was also present on the occasion as the special guest.
In his speech he put emphasis on using environment-friendly technology in the plastic industry.
Bulu also said, Bangladesh is no longer considered as a least developed country (LDC) by the developing countries. Besides, Bangladesh has so many competitors in the global market.
BPGMEA President Jashim Uddin and General Secretary KM Iqbal Hossain also spoke at the inaugural ceremony.
About 36 companies are showcasing different types of plastic products in 54 stalls of the fair. Taiwan, Singapore and India are also exhibiting their products in six stalls.
The fair will remain open from 10am to 8 pm every day.
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