"I will do everything possible to solve problems and improve business environment," he told a seminar here, calling upon the businessmen to bring business environment-related problems to his notice.

The minister's assurance emerged from encouraging export performance by the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the last fiscal year.

He was addressing a seminar titled "Improving the Business Environment: The Role of Local Government and The Regional Chambers" at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and KATALYST jointly organised the seminar marking the ongoing 12-day "SME Fair 2005".

Altaf said exports to Germany and Canada were increasing steadily over the previous years while it would increase gradually to Australia, New Zealand and the European Union, who have provided duty-free access of Bangladesh products.

He expected that products from the country will also get duty-free status in the American market.

Addressing the seminar, FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo said co-ordinated and supportive role of different government organisations could create a business and mercantile friendly environment.

"To do so, it's a duty of the businessmen to pay tax and levy for the government organisations to ensure the quality of their services," he said.