The seminar titled "WTO Hong Kong Ministerial: Our Road Map" was organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on the sidelines of the three-day Chittagong Apparel, Fabrics and Accessories Exposition (CAFAXPO) that ended yesterday.

Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reaz Rahman, former commerce minister Tofail Ahmed, former state minister for Planning Mohiudin Khan Alamgir, former president of BGMEA Annisul Huq, Director of BGMEA SM Fazlul Haq and First Vice President of BGMEA Abu Taiyyab took part in the discussion at the seminar. Professor of Dhaka University MA Taslim was the moderator.

Tofail Ahmed said lack of coordination among the ministries of commerce, foreign affairs and finance was the main factor for the failure to achieve anything from the Hong Kong ministerial.

Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir said the failure of Bangladesh prominently surfaced in the ministerial conference, which offered gains for even the poor cotton producing countries in Africa.

Foreign Advisor Reaz Rahman rejected the allegation of failure and said the government took a series of steps ahead of the ministerial to protect the country's interest in global trade talks. But, he admitted, it could have been a better deal in Hong Kong for Bangladesh.

He stressed the need for activating the parliament and its standing committees to arrange meaningful discussions on nationally important issues.

The participants urged the government to set up a task force on WTO with representatives from all concerned, including ministries, trade bodies and do required homework before going for further negotiations in Geneva.