Trade bodies call for govt incentives to environ-friendly industries
Staff Reporter :
Business leaders said it is important to provide government incentives for environment-friendly industrialization with a view to sustainable development which requires maintaining a balance between the environment and industrialization.
Hence the business leaders of the country’s important trade bodies and CEO’s and MD’s of the top conglomerates have reached a consensus to ensure the conservation of natural resources through their business practices.
They reached this consensus at a workshop titled ‘Natural Resources Conservation in Bangladesh: Scope of Private Sector Engagement’ organised by the Arannayk Foundation held on Saturday in a city hotel.
The business leaders also urged global buyers to pay fair prices for clothes produced in environment-friendly factories.
Arannayk Foundation is being implemented a project under USAID’s Green Life Project.
Dr. Muhammad Khan, Director of the Economic Growth Office, USID Bangladesh graced the event as the Chief Guest.
While speaking, he said that USID has been working to protect natural resources since 1990. Recalling the contribution of the private sector in the economic development of Bangladesh, he said that the development of the private sector has reduced the country’s dependence on foreign assistance.
He commented that the participation of entrepreneurs in the workshop and their opinions will play a critical role in combating climate vulnerabilities. Forest degradation is at the centre of water, air and soil pollution and many other environmental crises.
If forests can be preserved, most of the problems will be solved, he said.
Former President of BKMEA and Bangladesh Employers Federation Md. Fazlul Hoque said that except for having social recognition for their environment-friendly factory, there is no positive impact on business profitability; rather the cost of production has increased, which makes business difficult.
He demanded incentives from the government to involve entrepreneurs more in the conservation of natural resources. The buyers need to pay higher prices for products produced in environment-friendly factories, he urged.
Md. Shahidullah Azim, Vice President of BGMEA said, Bangladesh is the most preferred market for international buyers of eco-friendly clothes and there are now 195 lead-certified garment factories in the country.
As a responsible trade body, BGMEA is implementing Four R: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Recover concepts and also heat management to give a clean world to the next generation, he added.
BSRM’s Head of Branding, Farah Shahrukh Raja said that her company has adopted the eco-friendly production process which turns waste into products.
Arannayk Foundation Executive Director Rakibul Hasan Mukul said that ensuring harmony between the environment and business profit practices is a key to sustainable development. He also urged all stakeholders to come forward to tackle the climate crisis.
Environment and Climate Change Specialist of the Economic Growth Office of USAID Bangladesh said that if the temperature goes up or the coastal areas are flooded by natural disasters, there will be a negative impact on business.
Therefore, it is important to keep the environmental health fit for the growth of the business. In addition to the country, he urged traders to look for incentives in the international environment. Accessing global incentives is possible by trading in the voluntary carbon market, he informed.
Shamim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that currently, the plastic sector of Bangladesh is in the orange category.
Initiatives have been taken to turn this into a green industry; he said adding that VAT has to be paid in several steps for recycling, which should be withdrawn.
Syed Moazzem Hossain, Director of FBCCI stressed that government policy support is needed to make the private sector more engaged in conserving natural resources.
The director of FBCCI and WEND President Dr. Nadia Binte Amin advised for involving the new generation in protecting nature.
FBCCI Director MGR Nasir Majumder urged the government to formulate policies and implement them and also proposed to give tax exemption to those engaged in waste management.
Shiblul Azam Koreshi, President of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh — TOAB — urged the government to use the media effectively to create awareness in conducting responsible business practices.
Shamima Akhter, Director of Unilever’s corporate affairs and communication department claimed that there are no other incentives for eco-friendly production. She stressed on the government to formulate policies to support the production of environment-friendly products.
