B’desh mulls...

ahead, inflation is expected to remain at mid single digits throughout 2014.

“Although the outlook for inflation remains encouraging from a demand perspective, the Central Bank will continue to closely monitor possible supply disruptions resulting from the drought conditions experienced in certain parts of the country,” it noted

In the external sector, earnings from exports grew by 23.2 per cent, year-onyear, during January 2014, thus sustaining its growth momentum, which commenced in June 2013. Expenditure on imports increased by 7.9 per cent during the month.

Reflecting the recovery in exports and the muted growth in imports, the trade deficit contracted by 5.9 per cent in January 2014 to US dollars 756 million.

Inflows, on account of workers’ remittances recorded a healthy increase in January 2014 while earnings from tourism gathered momentum during the first two months of 2014. Further, supported by net inflows to the Government securities market, valuation gains, and the proceeds from the international Sovereign bond issuance in January, gross official reserves increased to US dollars 8.0 bil- lion as at end January 2014, which is equivalent to 5.3 months of imports.

We are ready to support Sri Lanka to produce biosimilar pharmaceuticals such as insulin and finalise them to finish product levels with a guaranteed cold chain. This is the first time we are looking at government to government level cooperation in pharma sector between both countries.

We also invite Sri Lanka to visit and see some of our pharmaceutical manufacturing plants. We have high quality products and we are very competitive in pricing. Pharma joint ventures are a goal in Bangladeshi-Sri Lanka cooperation” said Bangladeshi Health Secretary Uddin, addressing Minister Bathiudeen.

“A government-to-government level joint venture can also help reduce our pharmaceutical import bill. Your suggestions are interesting and let us discuss terms and products on this with line agencies here. The government is keen to commence a pharmaceutical zone in Sri Lanka and your initiatives can help advance this vision” said Minister Bathiudeen responding to Bangladeshi Health Secretary Uddin.