World Bank President Robert B Zoellick on November 4 said Bangladesh holds the potential to become an effective partner in the international market by utilising its human resources properly and developing its infrastructures in the apparel industry.

“ I am very pleased seeing that Bangladeshi people are doing jobs in the factories owned by the foreign investors. You have some good factories indeed. This country can be an effective partner in the global market ensuring proper utilisation of human resources and developing its infrastructure facilities,” he said.

The visiting new chief of the multilateral donor agency made his observations and suggestions while talking to the news agency during a walkabout at the textile and apparel units of Youngone Corporation in Dhaka Export Processing Zone in Savar area. Robert Zoellick had a discussion with Youngone’s Chairman, Kihak Sung, and a firsthand view of various aspects of operation of the factory, including the effluent treatment plant (ETP).

They discussed important matters pertaining to investment climate, trade and labour issues facing the foreign investors in the country’s main export-earning industry, which has long been striving for duty-and quota-free access to the coveted market in Zoellick’s native country, the United States. Expressing satisfaction over the infrastructure facilities of the Youngone Corporation, the WB boss said now the real challenge is to continue such facilities also in other enterprises of this sector.

He also emphasised industrialisation and its proper management for Bangladesh’s deserved economic uplift, saying that it will increase production in the country and thereby enrich its export basket. Robert Zoellick, who arrived here on November 3 on the last leg of his South Asia trip, went to Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) along with senior officials of the World Bank.

Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) Brigadier General Asraf Abdullah Yussuf welcomed the WB president at the DEPZ. At the DEPZ, Robert Zoellick attended a briefing session where the Bepza chairman highlighted EPZ background, performance and operational procedures in Bangladesh.

Brig Gen Asraf Abdullah said EPZs are contributing 18 percent of the total export earnings and more than two lakh direct employment opportunities have been created in the special economic zones. “Besides, a total of 264 enterprises have invested $ 1.8 billion, and investment, export and employment are gradually increasing,” he apprised the UN-affiliated development-funding institution.

Asraf Abdullah said country’s EPZs need to be expanded as many foreign investors, being pleased with the friendly policy and efficient performances of EPZs, have shown their keen interest in investing in the EPZs.
The WB president was accompanied by Praful Patel, vice-president of the WB South Asian region, and Xian Zhu, WB country director, among others.