Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given the following message on the occasion of the National Industrial Fair 2019 :
“I am glad to know that the Ministry of Industries is organizing the National Industrial Fair 2019 for the first time. I congratulate all those involved in this endeavor.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt of economic emancipation and prosperity of the Bangalee nation. In 1956, when he was the Minister of Industries, Trade, Labor, Anti-Corruption and Village Aid Ministry of the then East Pakistan government, he took the first initiative to industrialize the country. Under the aegis of Bangabandhu BSCIC has been established and the development of small and cottage industries took place in this region.
Bangladesh is moving forward towards prosperity following the path of the dreams of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh has already been recognized as a middle-income country owing to our government’s relentless efforts. We have been working hard to turn the country into a middle income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.
Initiatives have been taken to strengthen the country’s sustainable and environmentally friendly industrialization. This has resulted in a positive change in the industrial sector. In 2017-2018, the contribution of industrial sector to GDP rose to 33.71% from only 17.77% in 2007-08. To encourage the private sector in involving with the current initiative of sustainable industrialization, the Ministry of Industries has been distributing the ‘CIP (Industry) Award’ since 2009 and the ‘National Productivity and Quality Excellence Award’ since 2012. Policy support has been enhanced in the development of labor-intensive small, cottage and medium industries. New inventions and creative initiatives in the industrial sector are receiving state patronage, Considering the availability of raw materials, the area-based industrial plants are being developed. We are establishing 100 economic zones for balanced economic development of the country. Physical infrastructures have been developed in the country to ease the process of the import of raw materials and export of products. Power security including availability of electricity has been strengthened.
I am happy to know that domestic products will be showcased at the 1st National Industrial Fair 2019. I believe this fair, will play a positive role in inspiring, attracting and encouraging investors as well as promoting and expanding the market of the domestic products and services. It will create opportunities for sharing mutual experiences and exchange of views among participating organizations. Subsequently, efforts will be made in the coming days to develop the quality and enhance the diversity of the products produced in Bangladesh.
I wish the 1st National Industrial Fair 2019 a grand success.
Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu
May Bangladesh Live Forever.”