Explore alternative overseas mkt for essentials, pharma products

NEWS DESK

The government has asked key importers to explore alternative overseas market for essentials and pharmaceutical products to ensure smooth supply of the same amid prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

It also said there is need for resumption of transport services at local level to carry essential goods to and from warehouses.

The ministry of commerce (MoC) said this at a meeting with the country's key importers held at its conference room recently with Commerce Minister Tipu Munshiin the chair.

Country's leading importers--S Alam Group, Meghna Group, City Group, TK Group, ACI and PSM Group took part in the meeting.

A meeting source said the ministry will ask the central bank to notify importers about the appreciation of dollar against local currency as they face risk amid a rising trend in the greenback.

Delivery of imported goods from Chittagong port should be accelerated, he added. Truck sale-by Trading Corporation of Bangladesh would be re-arranged shortly, a document of the ministry reads.

A senior official of the ministry said social distancing was not maintained while selling of TCB goods at different points in Dhaka.

The ministry also asked the law enforcement agencies and its monitoring teams to take necessary steps in this regard, he mentioned.

He said the district administration would conduct mobile court to stabilise the prices and supply of commodities.

The meeting discussed continuation of inter-ministerial meeting on trade-related issues to contain the spread of COVID-19 outbreak.

In the meeting, the commerce minister warned that the government would take stern action against the traders who would be found involved in creating artificial crisis of key essential items in the market.

"The stock of various essential goods is now more than demand in the country. There are no reasons for deficit of such items," he mentioned.

Dr Md Jafar Uddin, secretary of the ministry of commerce, moderated the meeting. Senior officials concerned and representatives from law enforcement agencies and traders' association were also present at the meeting.