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India could be potential market
for exports: Ashok Kejriwal
An Exclusive Interview with
Bangladeshinfo.com
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Unlike other industrialists,
Ashok Kejriwal is very much optimistic about the future of the country's
industrial sector specifically the export-based ones.
His vision and targeted market for making export-oriented industries
profitable is also different from many other entrepreneurs and traders in
the business arena. |
Virtually a second-generation industrialist, Ashok Kejriwal is a director
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of one of the country's major industrial
groups--Doel Group of Industries Limited.
Besides, he is the CEO of many other industrial units of the Group, including
Bangladesh Chemical Industries Limited, Bangladesh Dyeing and Finishing
Industries Limited and Doel Cement.
Most of the country's exporters first set their targets to capture American
and European markets, which is obvious for market potentials, but a few go
beyond the tradition and Ashok is one of them. At present world context, the
traditional exporters are concerned at the recession in the United States and
the European countries following terrorist attacks on America on September 11,
2001 and its impact on the world market as a whole.
The government, different trade bodies and associations of exporters are also
worried about the future of the export earnings and export-based industries as
well. Economists of the country have expressed similar concern.
Ashok Kejriwal does not nullify their worry about an imminent setback of
Western recession on the country's trade and business. But, he likes to be
optimistic and explore potential markets other than America and Europe.
The potential market for export of Bangladeshi goods could be neighbouring
India, Ashok told the Bangladeshinfo.com during an exclusive interview.
He said India has pinned all its efforts in some large-scale industrial
sectors, including information technology and automobile. But demand for some
consumer items like readymade garments, ceramic, cigarette, cement and
furniture are on increase there. The Indian traders are now looking for
importing the items at affordable prices.
"In this context, Bangladesh can develop industries for producing the goods to
explore market and export those to India," Ashok said and added that this
would help rescue the country's export-based industries including RMG sectors
from a possible setback of Western recession.
He, however, said that the government should make some arrangements so that
Bangladeshi goods could get preferential access to Indian market.
He suggested setting up of bonded wear-houses at both sides of the land ports
of Bangladesh and India to boost the Indo-Bangla trading.
Referring to the recent increasing trend of some Bangladeshi exports to India,
he said the export could be significantly boosted if we could produce quality
products at a competitive price.
Ashok has inherited entrepreneurship from his family, particularly his father
Deoki Nandan Kejriwal, founder of Doel Group. His grand father Ganga Prashad
Kejriwal was also a famous personality in Kushtia district. The Ganga Prashad
Road of Kushtia town has been named after him.
Ashok has been awarded CIP (Commercially Important Person) in 2000 for his
outstanding contribution to the national economy through increasing export
earnings. He visited many countries, including USA, UK, Germany and Australia
as a member of the country's official trade delegations and at his own
initiative as well.
Besides business, Ashok has been engaged in various social welfare activities.
He has established an eye hospital in Kushtia where cataract operation is
provided free of cost to poor patients.
Interview by a Content Correspondent
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