Opt domestic or export policy for boosting jewellery sector, Salman F Rahman to gold traders

Mentioning that there will be two different policies for the emerging jewellery sector having growth potential -- one for the domestic market and other for the export market, Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman has said jewellers will have to clarify which one they seek from the government.

“If we talk about the policy for the gold sector, the jewellers will have to clarify their demand -- whether they seek policy for the local market or international market. The government is ready to provide support for the sector having immense potential of growth,” he said while addressing a seminar organised as part of the BAJUS Fair as the chief guest on Friday.

Bangladesh Jeweller's Association (BAJUS) organised the seminar on challenges and opportunities in financing the jewellery industry on the second day of the three-day mega exposition at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.

BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir presided over the discussion.

Salman F Rahman, however, urged the jewellers to put concentration on the domestic market first and then move for the export destinations.

“I think gold export will take time. First, we should focus on up-skilling local resources, research and development to strengthen the domestic market. Then we can go for exploring the international market,” he said.

The PM’s adviser said commerce and industries ministries, National Board of Revenue and Bangladesh Bank can take the jewellery sector forward.

He lauded the role of Sayem Sobhan Anvir in reshaping BAJUS as a disciplined organisation over the last three years of presidency of the trade body.

Echoing Salman F Rahman, BAJUS President Sayem Sobhan Anvir assured that BAJUS will follow his policy recommendations for local and international markets separately.

“I fully agree with Adviser Salman F Rahman who talked about separate policies for the domestic and international markets. The markets are different. Separate policies are required for these two. We’ll consider the suggestion,” Anvir, also managing director of Bashundhara Group, said.

The BAJUS president reiterated his stance on supporting the materialisation of ‘Golden Bangla’ through developing the gold industry as a driving force.

“We’ve been talking about ‘Sonar Bangla’ for a long time. If it’s not well patronised, the title will remain mere a word and it won’t have any meaning. We want to build Golden Bangla with gold,” he said.

Sayem Sobhan Anvir thinks BAJUS got right directives from Salman F Rahman for the jewellery sector to flourish as an industry.