4 November 2005
Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country in the world and one of the fastest growing economies, but observers say it has failed to attract attention from Oceania.
A group of scholars from disciplines including business, politics, economics, information technology and marketing will analyse the Bangladeshi market at a conference on Monday - hosted by Monash University's Department of Management.
Speakers include the minister for Energy Industries and Resources - Victoria, the Honourable Theo Theophanous, the high commissioner of Bangladesh, His Excellency Mr Ashraf-ud-Doula and Monash's vice-chancellor, Professor Richard Larkins.
Conference committee member and senior lecturer from Monash's Department of Management, Dr Sharif As-Saber, said North American and EU countries had recently shown interest in Bangladesh, but those from the Oceania region had remained indifferent about Bangladesh's potential as a business destination.
"The focus to date from Oceania has predominantly been on Europe, North America and East Asia - with India recently added to the list," Dr As-Saber said.
"Bangladesh is rich in natural resources such as gas, timber, coal and petroleum deposits and possesses a pool of cheap semi-skilled and skilled workers.
"English is widely spoken in business and society, and with an annual growth of around 6 per cent in recent years, it's not far behind China's booming economy of about 7 per cent."
Dr As-Saber said principal industries included apparel, textiles, tea, paper, newsprint, cement, chemical fertiliser, pharmaceuticals, sugar, fish, machine tools, electric cables, leather, ceramic tableware, bicycles and home furnishings.
"To encourage investment, the government of Bangladesh offers an extensive incentive program to foreign investors, including no upper limit for investment, a tax holiday of up to 10 years and easy repatriation of capital, profit and dividend," he said.
What: 'Business and Government in Bangladesh in the 21st Century' conference
When: Monday 7 November, 8.30 -- 11am
Where: Monash University Law Chambers, 472 Bourke St, Melbourne
For further information contact Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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