Bangla Press Desk: The government plans to establish a 400-acre industrial park in Bogura to meet the growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Saturday.Initiatives will be taken to begin development work on the proposed park during the upcoming winter season, according to a press release issued by the commerce ministry.
The minister made the remarks at a programme marking the assumption of office by the newly elected board of directors of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said Bogura has strong potential to emerge as a major industrial and economic hub, particularly in the light engineering sector.
"Bogura, in particular, has the potential to become an important centre for the light engineering industry in the coming days," Mr Muktadir said, adding that the government was working to develop the necessary infrastructure and create a supportive business environment.
The minister said the existing BSCIC Industrial Estate in Bogura had reached full capacity, while demand from SME entrepreneurs for industrial plots was rising rapidly.
"Considering this demand, a plan has been taken to establish a new BSCIC industrial park on around 400 acres of land. We will try to move the work forward quickly and start the initial activities during this winter season," he said.
The government also plans to improve Bogura's connectivity by establishing a rail link and an airport, he said, adding that better transport infrastructure would support industrialisation and economic activities in the region.
Mr Muktadir stressed the need to raise productivity and reduce financing costs to make local industries more competitive.
"It is difficult to run industries and businesses successfully by taking loans at high interest rates. To reduce production costs and make products competitive, we need to increase productivity and efficiency on the one hand and reduce financing costs on the other," he said.
The government is also working to ensure easier access to energy and electricity, simplify gas connections and provide industries with financing at lower costs, he added.
The minister said the government's responsibility would not end with developing infrastructure at the proposed industrial park.
The park will also provide technical training,
skilled manpower development, and information and technical assistance to entrepreneurs setting up industries there, he said.
Entrepreneurs establishing industrial projects at the park will also have access to relatively low-cost loans under the government's credit wholesaling scheme, he added.
Muktadir also stressed the importance of developing skilled workers and strengthening entrepreneurs' capacity alongside industrialisation.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam inaugurated the programme of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while Mir Shahe Alam, state minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, also spoke.
Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry President M S M Atikur Rahman Badal delivered the welcome address.
Earlier, Mr Muktadir visited the proposed industrial park site in Fapor union of Bogura Sadar upazila.
