Presiding over a high-profile review meeting on the textile ministry, the prime minister called upon both local and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the textile sector to help meet the increasing demand for clothes, the second basic need of people after food.

She announced that the government would introduce courses on textiles at various levels and institutes to develop skilled manpower to help meet the demands and tastes of consumers.

The meeting reviewed the status of the textile sector was told that the present annual production capacity of the sector is about 220 crore metres against a demand of 442 crore metres, leaving a deficit demand of 222 crore metres.

The meeting, held at the International Conference Centre, projected an annual demand of 588 crore metres for the next five years and an annual production target of 440 crore metres.

It decided that the dues of the employees and workers of different public sector textile mills who had died or retired would be quickly disbursed.

The meeting resolved to improve efficiency and productivity of Bangladesh Handloom Board. It also decided to organise training for weavers and others concerned, provide micro-credit to them and extend all other help to make the prices of weaving products competitive and market those at home and abroad.

The meeting stressed providing necessary help to the National Institute of Textile in training, research and designing in a bid to develop the sector.

Khaleda also emphasised development of Benarasi industry and marketing of Benarasi at local and foreign markets.