Exports won't be affected: Khosru

Commerce Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury expressed the optimism while elaborating on the roadmap during the question-hour in parliament yesterday, replying to a supplementary from M Shahiduzzman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Khosru told the House that the roadmap for trade union in the export processing zones has been formulated after long discussions with the United States and the investors in the EPZs.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

"Under the roadmap, there will be labour unions in the EPZs, but without any political or outside interference," he said mentioning that the investors also agreed with the roadmap.

Replying to Golam Habib Dulal (Jatiya Party-Kurigram), the commerce minister firmly said Bangladesh's garments sector is ready to face the post- multi-fibre arrangement (MFA) period when there will be no quota.

"The quota protected us, but it also brought some limitations. When there will be no quota, we'll have no limitations and it can otherwise bring good for us," he added.

Elaborating various measures to face the MFA challenge, Khosru said Bangladesh developed its garments sector in 20 years and other countries cannot suppress the vast experience.

The minister also ruled out the apprehension that workers would lose their jobs under the quota-free regime. He appreciated both the entrepreneurs and the workers for building human resources in the sector.

Replying to Abu Sayeed M Shahadat Hossain, he hoped that Bangladesh's market access to India would increase following the implementation of Safta (South Asian Free Trade Agreement) and bilateral free trade agreement.