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CHITTAGONG, Mar 15 (UNB): US Charge d' Affaires Judith Chammas said Wednesday initiative should be taken to hand over the management of all government bodies relating to economy, including Chittagong seaport, to private sector for bringing transparency in their operations.
"There is more scope for increasing investment in Chittagong and the US investors to be encouraged in this regard," she said this while speaking before a launch hosted in her honour by Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Hotel Peninsula in the port city.
She said the services (management and operation) of Chittagong Port should go for privatisation.
"Chittagong Port will have to be changed into a modern and competitive organisation to avail the scope for internationalising the city," the US envoy suggested.
Chammas said expansion of Chittagong EPZ is a must because a total of US $4.00 billion has already been invested in 420 plots. "Such kind of growth is encouraging."
She also assured more cooperation with the Chamber so that more US investment could come in Chittagong. She praised the government for taking initiative to hand over the management of Chittagong International Airport to private sector.
Speaking on the occasion, CCCI President Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed sought overall cooperation from the Charge d' Affaires for duty and quota free access of Bangladeshi garments to US market.
Javed also sought sincere cooperation from political leaders for political stability to ensure country's economic development.
Reiterating his demand for privatising Chittagong port, the business leader said private sector is the pillar of economic development and all development takes place due to privatisation.
Earlier, the US diplomat visited Chittagong court in the morning and held a meeting with the judges. She queried about the security of judges after the arrest of militants.
Metropolitan Sessions Judge AKM Anwar Hossain replied to the queries.
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