DHAKA: Exporters of finished leather, leather goods and footwear sought Tuesday Tk 55.00 billion fund from the government for setting up their industries at Savar Leather Estate.
Leaders of Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Exporters’ Association (BFLLFEA) made the demand when they met with Finance Minister AMA Muhith at his secretariat office.
They also demanded “blocked account” loan facilities for all outstanding loans without any interest with 8-year repayment facilities.
The new funds, according to BFLLFEA leaders, will include Tk 35 billion fresh investment for the construction of multi-storey building and Tk 20 billion for the purchase of new machinery. They wanted the funds at 3 per cent interest rate for a 15-20 year term.
BFLLFEA president Engineer M. Abu Taher, who led the delegation, also handed over a memorandum to the finance minister for taking their demands into consideration, which they said, are essential to give the new leather estate an international standard.
“There is a 240-billion world market for leather and leather goods including footwear and Bangladesh can easily grab at least 10-20 per cent of the market if entrepreneurs are provided with proper help and patronisation,” said the BFLLFEA president.
