Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith on Saturday said the government has been increasing the number of economic zones in the private sector in different parts of the country in order to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
The minister was speaking at a meeting organised by Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at the National Press Club in the city on Saturday afternoon.
Muhith said that economic stability is very important in drawing FDI into the country. He noted that the government has already taken the initiative to introduce private economic zones, in addition to existing public economic zones, at various places in the country. The minister held out the assurance that the government had already initiated measures toward ensuring the stability of investment in Bangladesh.
 Muhith noted that six years ago, prices of essentials would register a rise immediately with the announcement of the budget. However, the situation has changed now and prices are not increased when the budget is announced in parliament. The government remains on top of the situation, the minister added.
Muhith was of the view that matters related to an increase in FDI could be more fruitful if they are discussed in parliament rather than outside. In that way, it will become easier for the government to take action in the public interest.
He said that the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector is very important to the country because it leads to the creation of jobs. Owing to the huge number of educated unemployed people, it is imperative that steps be taken by the government to encourage such sectors as well as other sectors so that they open up job opportunities for people across the board. That remains the goal of the government, added the minister.