Non Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) suggested the country's apex trade body on Monday to constitute a high-powered business team for engaging lobbyist and convincing the US Congressmen to secure GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) and other business facilities.
The suggestion came after the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) called upon the visiting US business delegation to work in favour of Bangladesh for getting such facilities from the USA.
The country's apex trade body also urged the United States (US) through its business delegation to include all products exported from Bangladesh in the US GSP list.
Shabbir Chowdhury of the US Bangladesh Advisory Council (USBAC) said Bangladesh can create goodwill ambassador through formation of the team to convince US Congressmen for getting GSP and other business facilities from the US.
"At the same time, Bangladesh business leaders need to be engaged with African businessmen who have been raising their voices against the facilities of duty free access or GSP to Bangladesh," Mr Chowdhury, also a NRB, told the meeting at the Federation Bhaban at noon on the day.
Citing US investment in Tourism, backward linkage industries for RMG, light engineering, ship building, telecom, fisheries, plastic, leather and energy and power, the FBCCI president said the country currently generates 6350 MW electricity.
He said the production capacity needs to be enhanced to 11457 MW by 2015 which would require another US$15 billion investment out of which US$10 billion is expected to be provided by the private sector.
"We require more foreign direct investment. The government adopted an open door policy only to create competitive atmosphere for investment. So, the US investors can take the opportunity," he added.
