An industrial park and an agro-processing complex to be set up in Chittagong, spending some Tk 1452.03 million, are the two main ones of the projects endorsed.

The approval was given at the 320th meeting of the executive committee of the investment board held at the Chittagong divisional office with its Executive Chairman Mahmudur Rahman in the chair.

The meeting was informed that 196 industrial projects, three with foreign investment, were given registration from the Chittagong divisional office in 2003 with a total investment of Tk 5523.69 million.

At present, 95 of the projects are in operation and 70 others under implementation, the meeting was told.

In the past year, the divisional office recommended 109 Import Registration Certificates (IRCs) and 12 bonded-warehouse facilities. And another 125 certificates were given for unloading imported machinery.

While exchanging views with the members of CCCI later, the BoI executive chairman said local and foreign investors are getting "all facilities", including investment registration, from the regional office here, excepting work permit.

Calling upon the businesspeople to be vocal against hartal, he said the country's economic growth was hampered due to 'hartal culture' during 95-96 period.

He also assured of opening a "courtesy service booth" at the international airport here to help the investors.

The Chittagong chamber president, Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, senior vice-president Ershad Ullah and former minister Zahiruddin Khan were among others present.