"We already finalised major aspects of the policy to provide sufficient support for the country's exporters," said the minister after an inter-ministerial meeting.

High officials from the ministries of industry, agriculture and finance and stockholders from different export-oriented sectors were present at the meeting.

"Export diversification, exploring new export markets and compliance issues have been given priority in the new policy", said the commerce minister.

"So far we have achieved a 21 percent export growth in the 2005-06 fiscal," Hafizuddin said, adding that the government would take adequate measures for rating the growth.

Meeting sources said all the private stockholders extended support to the government decision of issuing SRO (Statutory Regulatory Ordinance) for implementing the export policy guidelines.

Readymade garments, textile, leather and leather goods, frozen foods, agricultural products,pharmaceuticals and ceramic have been prioritised as 'thrust sector' in the new export policy, according to the sources.

Jute and jute goods, shrimp, light engineering, tobacco, vegetables and plastic sectors have also been emphasised as 'emerging sectors'in the policy.

A total of six goals have been set for the policy, which include encouraging local export-oriented industry, settling compliance issue, ensuring product quality, enhancing competitiveness in the global market, developing banking system and providing export incentives for the emerging sectors.

As per the new policy, a high official of commerce ministry said, export incentives will be given through finance ministry in packaging, product handling and transportation of export-oriented products.

Earlier, the government asked some 103 stakeholders to place their proposals and suggestions for the upcoming export policy. Out of them, 52 organisations gave their proposals to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

They placed a total of 357 recommendations to the EPB for formulating the policy. The commerce ministry has considered 36 of their recommendations in the export policy for the next three years.

The main feature of the new policy is the issuance of an SRO so that exporters follow guidelines in their job, a high official of the commerce ministry told The Daily Star. .

Meanwhile, private sector stockholders also extended their support to the decision of issuing SRO for implementing the export policy.

Talking to The Daily star, Fazlul Haq, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA),said," The decision of implementation of new export policy through issuing SRO will benefit the export-oriented sector. Because, all export-oriented industries will be abided by a unique guideline for exports of goods".

He also expressed hope that exporters would enjoy a hassle-free environment in processing exports to other countries,

The private entrepreneurs also urged the government to establish two institutes on product development and product quality control besides a waste management plant for the garments sector.

Commerce ministry sources said a separate guideline for shippers and freight forwarding agents will also envisaged in the new export policy with a view to removing hassles the exporters face.