Vol. 5 Num 165 Sat. November 06, 2004       Home  News Today's Index Front Page Business Sports Metropolitan National International Culture General Views Editorial Letters to Editor Write to Editor Sections Literature Others About Us Contact Advertisement Supplements Archives Business   Nat'l committee on exports sits idle No meet in 18 months, although quota-free era begins next year The national committee on exports is sitting idle as it has failed to hold any meeting in the last one and a half years, although Bangladesh is to face stiff competition in the global market with thephasing Mobile Mela People busy buying SIM cards Fair extended by one day Thousands of people were buying GrameenPhone (GP) connections at the lowest-ever price at the mobile phone fair in Dhaka yesterday as the leading cellphone operator's price war gathers momentum.   Aktel eyes three million subscribers by 2005 Telecom Malaysia International (Bangladesh) Ltd (TMIB), the service provider of Aktel mobile phone, yesterday announced an ambitious target of reaching three million subscribers' base by 2005.   Twist in US-Asia shrimp war with soybean boycott threat American soybean growers have warned the US government against imposing anti-dumping duties on shrimp imports from Asia, citing a threat from the region to retaliate by boycotting soybean imports.   India's inflation resumes upward march India's inflation jumped by more than a quarter of a percentage point after falling over the past month from a three-and-a-half year peak, government figures showed Friday.   Craft fair begins at Dhanmondi A fair of home-made products such as apparels and leather goods, organised by Bangladesh Homeworkers Women Association (BHWA), began in Dhaka on Thursday.   Seven new commissioners in Income Tax Promotions of seven commissioners (current charge) in Income Tax Department were approved on Thursday.   Oil falls further in Asian trade on improved US crude inventories Oil prices continued to fall in Asian trade Friday as higher US crude inventories cooled the market, dealers said.   Bush vows to halve deficit, reform tax US President George W Bush vowed Thursday to halve the budget gap, rewrite tax law and reform health and pension systems, menaced by a wave of baby-boomer retirees.   India's iron ore export to China may stay steady India's iron ore exports to China are likely to stay steady at up to 44 million tonnes this year, despite a drop in orders due to Beijing's efforts to cool the steel sector, an industry official saidWednesday.   US to examine free trade deal with Australia next week US officials will examine details of the free trade deal with Australia next week in a bid to finalise the agreement so it can start as planned on Jan 1, US Ambassador to Australia Tom Schieffer saidThursday.   Weekly Currency Roundup October 30-November 04, 2004 Local FX Market US dollar was strong against Bangladeshi taka earlier this week on back of higher import demand.     Advertisement