The minister was addressing a seminar on "Integration of Social Development into RMG Industry" here Tuesday afternoon as chief guest.

BGMEA and Social Standard Promotion Trust (SST) jointly organised the seminar held with BGMEA acting president MA Salam in the chair while SST chairman Saidur Rahman presented the key-note paper on the subject.

The seminar was also addressed by BGMEA director ANM Saifuddin, advisor Tabarakullah and former first vide-president Nurul Hoq.

The minister said the government is fully aware of problems of the RMG sector and upcoming challenges, and has already taken a number of steps including formation of national coordination council and establishment of a central bonded warehouse.

In this context, he said the government was pursuing with the importing countries and international trade bodies concerned to change their policies and mindset in favour of Bangladesh so that the growth of local RMG sector could go further ahead in future.

Altaf told the seminar that due to favourable trade policy adopted by the Canadian government, Bangladesh RMG has witnessed 140 percent export growth in Canadian market in the last nine months.

Responding to the demands of BGMEA, the commerce minister assured of upgradation of Chittagong office of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), empowerment of customs bond commi-ssionerate in Chittagong.

He urged all not to damage country's image abroad by carrying out smear campaign for the sake of Bangladesh's economy and development.