Industrial Relations

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Industrial Relations

PRESIDENT

Jahangir Alamin

President, BTMA &

Managing Director

Fuad Spinning Mills Ltd.

Alamin Centre, 25/A Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka.

Phone: 9564507-9, 9567836-7

Fax: 880-2-9564512

E-mail: jahangiralamin@gmail.com , sagbd17@yahoo.com

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) is the national trade organization of Primary Textile Industry i.e. Yarn Manufacturing, Fabric Manufacturing and Dyeing-Printing-Finishing mills of the country under private sector. BTMA is registered in 1983, among others the following are the main objectives:

To promote and protect the trade, commerce and manufacturers of Bangladesh in general and of the textile related trade in particular.

To collect and circulate statistics and to collect, classify and circulate information relating to the trade, commerce and manufactures of its members.

To take all steps which may be necessary for promoting, supporting or opposing legislative and other measures affecting the trade, commerce or manufactures of its members.

To make representations to the appropriate authorities on any matter connected with the trade, commerce and manufactures of its members.

To advance and promote commercial and technical education connected with the trade and commerce of its members.

To undertake special inquiries and initiate or support any action for securing the redress of legitimate grievances connected with the trade or commerce of its members.

To engage in such activities for imports, exports of raw materials, spares and finished products for the collective benefit of the members of the Association.

To organize such factories and workshops for selling or display centers centrally which may be of common benefit for sections which might not be possible or feasible for individual members.

The Association is run by a BOARD OF DIRECTORS of 27 members, headed by one President and 3 Vice-Presidents, who are elected through ballot/votes as per provisions of the Trade Organization Ordinance, 1961 and Rules made there under by the Government of Bangladesh. The tenure of the Board of Directors is 2 years. The Association has a separate Secretariat to look after all Administrative activities and is headed by the Secretary General. He is assisted by a numbers of officers in the discharge of his duties.

Currently the number of Membership of BTMA is 1306 under:

Yarn Manufacturing Member Mills = 373

Fabric Manufacturer Member Mills = 703

Dyeing-Printing-Finishing Member Mills = 230

Over 4.00 billion EURO has been invested in these mills and about 4.00 million people are currently employed. BTMA fulfills:

100 % of the domestic fabric and yarn requirement.

50% of the cotton oven fabric requirement of export oriented garments sub-sector.

Over 95% of the yarn and fabric requirement of export oriented knitwear sub-sector.

Frozen Foods

Frozen foods is the second largest export sector of the economy. The massive natural resources available in Bangladesh make this sector particularly promising for investors looking to supply in international as well as in domestic markets.

The Public sector corporation and the private organizations have setup about 148 numbers of shore based export oriented fish processing plants at Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Jessore, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Cox’s Bazar, Chandpur, Kishoregonj, Syihet and Patuakhali. These plants produces Fresh Water shell On (FWSO), Ser Water shell On (SWSO), Peeled and Deveined (P&D), Peeled and Undevined (PUD), shrimp products under the most hygienic and sanitary condition under the supervision, control and guidance of foreign trained handling & processing experts. At all levels, USFDA registrations and directives of the European Communities concerning the production and exportation of frozen foods are strictly followed.

Sector Highlights

Thriving in this sector are shrimp farming and fish production.

The government is promoting semi-intensive shrimp farming.

Shrimp processing and export industry is largely dominated by the small business sector.

Government has developed initiatives of quality assurance for frozen foods in co-operation with exporters.

15% cash incentive offered to shrimp export amount.

Exportable Products

The private organization and the public sector corporation offer the following products for export:

Frozen shrimp & prawn

Frozen fish

Fresh & chilled fish

Frozen fillets & steaks of fish, sharks shells skates & rays

Shark fins & fish maws

Salted & dehydrated fish

Dry fish

Live crabs & tortoises

Fish meals & crushed

Value added shrimp & fish products

Industry Outlook

This export oriented industry includes the following sub-sectors which are themselves promising investment opportunities:

Hatcheries

Sustainable aquaculture technology

Feed meals plants

Processing unit for value-added products.

Key Information

No. of fish processing plants 148
Plants licensed by the GOB 88
Fish processing plants approved by the EU 74
Quantity of frozen food exported in 2009-10 129.81 m products
Shrimp exported in 2009-10 108.84 m lbs
Fish exported in 2009-10 20.97 m lbs
Processing capacity in the total plants 3,00,000 m tons
Export earnings from shrimp 2009-10 348.28 m US$
Export earnings from fish 2009-10 89.12 m US$
No. of shrimp hatchery 130
Production of shrimp fry 12,000-15,000 m
Shrimp cultured land 170,000 hectare
Unutilized land for shrimp culture 100,000 hectare

Source: Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA)

Growth in Export of Processed Fish

Shrimp is the second largest source of export from Bangladesh which earned as much as 437.40 million US dollar in the year 2009-10. Commercial culture of shrimp increased rapidly in the coastal belt of Bangladesh and it went through several stages of transformation. During the last ten years, Bangladesh has earned international credibility by responding to the food-safety and quality requirements of its destinations, mostly, the United States and the European Union countries. Continuous investment has enabled the sector to progress in the teeth of competition from other countries.

Year Product item Quantity (m lbs) US$ (m)
2006-07 Shrimp and fish 112.15 515.22
2007-08 Shrimp and fish 111.35 534.07
2008-09 Shrimp and fish 117.31 454.53
2009-10 Shrimp and fish 129.81 437.40

Source: Bangladesh Frozen Foods Exporters Association (BFFEA)

There are 105,000 galda farms, mostly located in the Khulna area although this method of cultivation is spred ading rapidly in other parts of Bangladesh. Unlike brackish water cultivation of bagda (black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon), freshwater galda cultivation is not restricted to the coastal regions and is expanding at a rate of 10–20 per cent per annum.

Industry Situation

Following a period of strong investment in technology, processes and regulation the frozen foods sector has flourished and earned itself an excellent reputation with trading partners.

Exporters have earned credibility and trustworthiness in the global market and are committed to maintaining a competitive advantage in product quality. Continuing investment in technology, marketing and quality remain at the forefront of the industries’ strategy to meet the challenges of international trade in price, quality, time and service.

Frozen Food Export from Bangladesh

Source: Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau

INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERATION OF BANGLADESH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (FBCCI)

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is the apex representative organization safeguarding the interest of the private sector in trade and industry in Bangladesh.

Year of Establishment : 1973
Established under : Trade Organization Ordinance, 1961

and Companies Act, 1913.

Type of members : (1) Chambers of Commerce and Industry

A Class Chamber

B Class Chamber

: (2) Trade and Industrial Associations.

A Class Association

B Class Association

: (3) Joint Chamber (with Foreign Countries)

Total Number of Member bodies : (1) Chambers of Commerce and Industry

A Class Chamber 38

B Class Chamber 32

: (2) Trade and Industrial Association

A Class Association 277

B Class Association 6

: (3) Joint Chamber

(with Foreign Countries) 16

Total: 369

Composition of Board of Directors President — 01

First Vice-President — 01

Vice-President — 01

Directors — 41

FBCCI’S BROAD OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS

To coordinate and promote the interest of its federating units-Chambers of Commerce, Trade and Industrial Association;

To aid and stimulate investment, development of trade, commerce, industry, agriculture, tourism, human resources and communication sectors in Bangladesh;

To project, encourage and safeguard the cause of the private sector through effective participation in the process of consultation and inter-action with the Government, Ministerial Consultative Committees and other inter-ministerial bodies and agencies;

To assist the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Associations in organizing of Trade and Industry Fairs in different parts of Bangladesh;

To collect and disseminate statistical and other information for advancement of trade and industry;

To make efforts for the spread of commercial, technical and economic knowledge for promotion of commercial, technical, industrial and scientific education in the country;

To study and undertake research for promotion and growth of trade and industry;

FBCCI is involved in forging strong bilateral ties between and among different countries of the world through counterpart organizations for commercial and economic cooperation. It helps promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) including Joint Ventures in Bangladesh and identify appropriate partners;

It maintains close relation with Overseas National Chambers of Commerce and other Trade and Industrial Associations including related economic organization;

The FBCCI as the Apex Trade Organization plays the pivotal role in consultative and advisory capacity in formulation of Commercial, Industrial and Fiscal policies at the national level. It has been playing a very vital role in all Forum of the Government and Economic Development organizations for mutual sharing of views on all vital issues concerning and affecting the national economy;

FBCCI represents the Private Sector in different permanent committees of the Government and autonomous bodies;

FBCCI also represents the Private Sector in various Committees and Task Forces on specific issues, constituted by the Government from time to time.

INTERNATIONAL LINKS

FBCCI is the member of different international bodies, such as International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) and the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). To safeguard and protect the interest of business community in the international arena, FBCCI maintains close communication with these International Organizations.

FBCCI has Joint Chamber/Cooperation Agreement with the national trade organizations of the following countries:

Australia

Belgium

Egypt

Finland

Germany

India

Indonesia

Iran

Italy

Japan

Malaysia

Maldives

Myanmar

Nepal

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Qatar

Romania

Russia

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Thailand

The Republic of Korea

Turkey

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry has collaboration agreements with the General Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture of the Arab Countries, Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mizoram Chamber of Commerce of India, Kunming Chamber of Commerce & Industry of China and Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Singapore. The FBCCI has also established a Joint Chamber viz., Bangladesh India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BICCI) in cooperation with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and signed an agreement of understanding with the United States Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC).

Meeting on Bangladesh –UK Bilateral Trade & Investment Relation

Mr. A. K. Azad, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) speaking at a Discussion meeting between FBCCI & WBCCI on “Bangladesh –UK Bilateral Trade & Investment Relation-” at FBCCI Conference Room on Monday (26.09.2011). Among others First Vice Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI and Mr. Dilabor A. Hossain, Chairman of Wales-Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce are also seen in the picture

Discussion meeting on Overall Economic Situation of the country

Mr. A. K. Azad, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) speaking at a Discussion meeting on “Overall Economic Situation of the country” at FBCCI Conference Room on Saturday (06.08.2011). Among others Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, M.P (chief guest) & Commerce Minister Mr. Faruk Khan, M.P (special guest), Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI are also seen in the picture

Seminar on “Digital Bangladesh: Private Sector Perspective

Mr. A.K. Azad, President, of The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is speaking at a seminar on “Digital Bangladesh: Private Sector Perspective” at FBCCI Conference Center on Wednesday 27-07-2011. Among others, Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice-President; Mr. Mostofa Azad. Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI and Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, Personal Secretary-1 to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, GoB are also seen in the picture

Seminar on Digital Bangladesh: Private Sector Perspective

Mr. A.K. Azad, President, of The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) is speaking at a seminar on “Digital Bangladesh: Private Sector Perspective” at FBCCI Conference Center on Wednesday 27-07-2011. Among others, Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice-President; Mr. Mostofa Azad. Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI and Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, Personal Secretary-1 to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, GoB are also seen in the picture.

Discussion Meeting with State Minister from Maldives

Mr. A.K Azad (centre), President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) addressing at a Discussion Meeting with The Sate Minister, Controller of Immigration & Emigration and Chairman of the Hithadhoo Port of Maldives, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid (right) on Thursday (14/07/2011) at FBCCI Board Room for exploring investment and trade potentials between the two countries. Among others H.E. Mr. Ahmed Sareer (left), High Commissioner of Maldives is also seen in the picture.

Economical evaluation under the circumstances of hartal

Mr. A.K Azad (centre), President of FBCCI, Speaking at an emergency press conference on “Economical evaluation under the circumstances of hartal” at the FBCCI’s conference room in Dhaka on Saturday (9 July 2011). Among others, Mr. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President of BGMEA ( from left)), firstVice-President of FBCCI, Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin , Vice-President, Mr. Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu and Mr. Asif Ibrahim (last from left), President of DCCI, are also seen

Discussion Meeting with Thai Delegation

Mr. Jashim Uddin, Acting President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) addressing a discussion meeting with Thai Trade and Investment Mission on 20 June 2011 at FBCCI Conference Centre. Among others Ms. Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary General, Office of the Board of Investment Thailand, Mr. Mingpant Chaya, President, Thai-Bangladesh Business Council, Mr. Suwapong Sirisorn, Charge the Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President, FBCCI & Mr. M. A. Momen, Director of FBCCI are also seen in the picture

Call on Meeting with Myanmar Ambassador

Mr. Lwin, Ambassador of Unin of Myanmar called on with Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, Acting President of FBCCI on 19 June, 2011. Among others, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI, Mr. Aye Lwin, Joint Secretary General of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Alhaj Shamsul Haque, Director of FBCCI, Mr. K.B Ahmed, President of Bangladesh-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce & Industry are also seen in the picture

Meeting with Rawalpindi Chamber

Mr. M.A. Momen Director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) addressing a discussion meeting with business delegation of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 15 June 2011 at FBCCI Board Room. Among others Dr. Shimail Daud Arain, Acting President of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry & leader of the Delegation, Mr. Abdul Haque Director, FBCCI & presentative of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also seen in the picture.

Press Conference on the proposed National Budget

Mr. A.K. Azad, President of FBCCI addressing a Press Conference on the proposed National Budget for 2011-2012 at FBCCI Conference Center on Friday 10-06-2011. Among others Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice-President, FBCCI, Mr. Mostofa Azad. Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI and Directors of FBCCI are also seen in the picture.

Luncheon Business Meeting with UAE delegation

H.E Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Hon’ble Foreign Trade Minister of United Arab Emirates (UAE) addressing a Luncheon Business Meeting hosted by FBCCI in honer of UAE delegation on Sunday (05.06.2011) at a city hotel. Among others Mr. A.K. Azad, President of FBCCI, Mr. Abul Mal Abdul Muhith M.P, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Govt. of Bangladesh, Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan M.P, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Govt. of Bangladesh, Eng. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain M.P, Hon’ble Minister for Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment and Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI are also seen in the picture.

Press Conference on economic and political situation due to calling Hartal held

FBCCI organized a Press Conference on economic and political situation of the country due to calling Hartal on June 3, 2011 at FBCCI. Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice President, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI, Directors of FBCCI, Presidents Metropolitan Chamber, BKMEA, BTMA attended the press conference

Seminar on “Prospects and problem of Jute & Textiles Sector

Mr. A.K. Azad, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) addressing a Seminar on “Prospects and problem of Jute & Textiles Sector” (02/06/2011) at FBCCI Conference Room. Mr. Abdul Latif Siddique, M.P. Minister, Ministry of Textiles & Jute, Mr. Md. Ashraful Moqbul, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles & Jute, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice-President of FBCCI, Mr. A.K.M Selim Osman, President of BKMEA, Mr. Jahangir Alamin, President of BTMA, Mr. T.D Mitra, Chairman of BJMC and Mir Shahabuddin Mohammad, Secretary General of FBCCI are also seen in the picture.

FBCCI delegation met the Hon’ble Finance Minister
FBCCI delegation led by Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President of FBCCI met the hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on June 2, 2011 at his office to discuss on Bank interest rate, liquidity crisis and capital market situation of the country. Presidents of Dhaka Chamber, Metropolitan Chamber, BGMEA, BAIRA and BCI joined the delegation.
Discussion meeting on supply and price situation of the essential commodities on the eve of the holy Ramadan held

Mr. A.K. Azad, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) addressing a Discussion Meeting on Preparation of necessary instruction of control the price and supply situation of essential commodities on the eve of Holly Ramadan on Wednesday (01/06/2011) at FBCCI Conference Room. Mr. Abul Hossain, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice-President of FBCCI, Mr. Helal Uddin & Mr. Harun Or Rashid, Directors of FBCCI and Mr. Fazlur Rahman, Chairman of City Group are also seen in the picture

Meeting on Prospects and Problems of Tourism Sector of Bangladesh held

A Seminar on Prospects and Problems of Tourism Sector of Bangladesh was organized by the FBCCI Standing Committee on Tourism and Hospitality Services on May 31, 2011 at Gulshan Club, Dhaka. Mr. G.M. Kader, hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, was present in the meeting as Chief Guest while Mr. M.A. Karim Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Md. Ataharul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and Mr. Hedaitullah Al- Karim , Secretary, Ministry of Information were present as Special Guests. President of FBCCI Mr. A. K. Azad presided over the meeting.

Roundtable on Role of Missions of Bangladesh in Export Growth and Cooperation in Agriculture in Africa and Expansion of Market

A Roundtable on ‘Role of Missions of Bangladesh in Export Growth and Cooperation in Agriculture in Africa and Expansion of Market’ was organized by FBCCI on May 31, 2011 at FBCCI. Dr. Dipu Moni, hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs was present in the meeting as Chief Guest while Mr. Md. Mizarul Kayes, Secretary for Foreign Affairs presented the key note paper. Dr. Mahbub Hossain, Executive Director of BRAC, Prof. Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director of CPD and Mr. Shykh Sheraj, Director (News) of Channel I were the panel discussants. President of FBCCI Mr. A. K. Azad was the moderator of the roundtable.

FBCCI delegation met the Governor of Bangladesh Bank

FBCCI delegation led by Mr. A.K. Azad, President, FBCCI met the Governor of Bangladesh Bank on May 30 , 2011 at his office to discuss on Bank interest rate, liquidity crisis and capital market situation of the country. Mr. Md. Jashim Uddin, First Vice President, Mr. Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, Vice President, Mr. Abdur Razzaque, Mr. Md. Helal Uddin, Directors, FBCCI, Presidents of Dhaka Chamber,

Metropolitan Chamber, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA joined the delegation

FBCCI hosted luncheon meeting in honor of the Foreign Minister of Maldives

FBCCI hosted luncheon meeting in honor of the visiting Foreign Minister of Maldives H.E. Mr. Ahmed Naseem on May 29, 2011 at FBCCI. Mr. A.K. Azad, President, FBCCI chaired the meeting.