Govt plans 400-acre industrial park in Bogura: Commerce minister
The proposed park will cater to growing SME demand, with preliminary development work expected to begin this winter, the minister says.
The government plans to establish a new industrial park on around 400 acres in Bogura to meet growing demand from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), said Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today (8 August).
Speaking as the chief guest 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 preliminary development work on the proposed industrial park is expected to begin this winter
Muktadir said Bogura has the potential to emerge as a major industrial and economic hub, particularly in the light engineering sector.
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"The existing BSCIC industrial estate in Bogura is already full, while demand for new industrial plots among SME entrepreneurs is growing," he said.
"Considering this demand, we have planned to establish a new BSCIC industrial park on around 400 acres of land. We will try to move ahead quickly and begin preliminary work this winter," he added.
The minister said the government is working to create the necessary infrastructure and a supportive business environment to accelerate industrialisation in Bogura.
He stressed the need to increase productivity and reduce financing costs to improve the competitiveness of local industries.
"It is difficult to run industries and businesses successfully with high-interest loans. To reduce production costs and make products competitive, we need to increase productivity and efficiency while also reducing financing costs," he said.
The government is also working to ensure easier access to energy and electricity, simplify gas connections and create opportunities for lower-cost financing for industrial entrepreneurs, he added.
Skills development and financing
The proposed industrial park will provide more than basic infrastructure, according to the minister.
He said the government plans to establish facilities for technical training, skilled workforce development, and information and technical assistance needed to set up industries.
"This will help make the new industrial enterprises sustainable in the long run," he said.
Entrepreneurs setting up projects in the industrial park will also have access to relatively low-interest loans under the government's credit wholesaling scheme, he added.
The minister said developing skilled human resources and strengthening entrepreneurs' capabilities would remain priorities alongside industrialisation.
Earlier, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir visited the proposed industrial park site in Fapor Union of Bogura Sadar upazila.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the chamber programme, while State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam attended as a special guest.
Bogura Chamber President MSM Atikur Rahman Badal delivered the welcome address.
The programme also introduced the newly elected members of the chamber's board and discussed their responsibilities, future plans and initiatives to expand services for the business community.
