Bangladesh has more potential than other countries: Finance Minister

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said that the entire world is facing a challenge due to the Corona epidemic. Challenges come during any pandemic.

As well as possibilities are created. Bangladesh has more potential than other countries. The economy of Bangladesh will do much better in the coming days.

He said these things in response to reporters' questions after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Procurement on Wednesday.
16 proposals of various ministries and departments have been approved in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Procurement.

One thousand 39 crore rupees will be spent on these proposals. Out of this, 635 crores 54 lakhs will be spent from the government's own funds. 403 crore 86 lakh rupees will be available as loans from World Bank, ADB, EIB and Danida.

In response to a question about the budget deficit, Kamal said that there is a deficit in the budget of all developed and developing countries. Bangladesh's deficit is relatively low. The US budget deficit is 18 percent of GDP, India's 13 percent, Japan's 12.9 percent, China's 11.88 percent, Indonesia's 8 and Vietnam's 6.2 percent. So there is no need to worry about shortages.

The economy is in good shape. Revenue increased. Exports are increasing steadily. A lot of progress has been made in the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves and remittances. As a result, there is no need to worry about budget deficit.

In response to another question, Kamal said that the government has filed a case against those involved in the theft of money from the central bank's reserves. The cases are pending. As a result, he will not comment on the pending matter.

The latest progress on getting the next phase of vaccines from India is with the respective ministries. The National Board of Revenue cannot be single-handedly blamed for collection of less than targeted revenue. Time is not going normally. Any work done in between is good. If the situation is normal, the speed of work will increase.

He said the total revenue collection has increased. Some EFD machines have been installed. More will be posted. These are being linked to the central system of NBR. It is hoped that the situation will improve in the future.