Bangladeshi traders concerned over the added impact of the US-led war on Iraq have urged the country’s government to aid its already beleaguered export industry.

Between July and December 2002, Bangladesh’s exports fell 6.4% to Tk3.16 billion ($34.68 million). Exports of leather goods decreased 28.9% and footwear exports fell 28.97%. Fabric, ceramic and bicycle exports decreased 59.3%, 15.57% and 6.2% respectively.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) met with the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Saturday. They requested a 5% reduction in bank interest rates and reduced gas and power tariffs and lower port charges.

The traders also proposed that customs procedures should be simplified and that Tk10 million ($172,000) in cash incentives should be released to handicraft exporters.

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