Finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Thursday favoured the resumption of operation of the now-defunct Rajshahi Silk Factory on partial form amidst the current acute crisis of locally produced silk yarn.
'Full-length recommencement of the state-owned factory will not viable prior to arrangement of sufficient yarn at this moment,' he said while sharing views with the executives and officials of Bangladesh Silk Board and silk entrepreneurs at the factory conference room in Rajshahi.
Earlier, the minister visited different sections of the factory to see for himself its present condition on the first day of his two-day visit to the metropolis aimed at holding meetings with various government officials and trade organisations.
'We are sincere about revitalising the silk sector with necessary financial support but effective ideas and recommendations from the authorities and organisations concerned are very vital in this regard,' the minister said.
He responded to a proposal of incorporating the sericulture sector in the Entrepreneurs Equity Fund of Bangladesh Bank and said the proposal can be considered for the betterment of the sector.
Addressing as special guest Rajshahi may AHM Khairuzzaman Liton put emphasis on reopening of the factory with public-private partnership system for elevating the socio-economic condition of the region.
Besides, he stressed the need for protecting the region's prestigious institutions from further degradation.
Source : New Age
