BANGLADESH

The World Marketing Summit (WMS) on Saturday adopted Dhaka Declaration with a call to play a vital role in guiding the future of marketing to embrace human mind, heart and soul in the concepts and practices of the specialised discourse.

It was declared by WMS chairman Prof Syed Ferhat Anwar on the concluding day of the three-day summit at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

"Bangladesh has established a track record in inclusive development and set models that other countries are adopting," the declaration said.

It said problems in the world might not be solved through the existing concepts and practices, and marketing could be used to resolve the crisis.

"The focus of marketing should shift from products and services to customers to human spirit."

Marketing guru Philip Kotler said every country has its own opportunities and problems and solution to all the crises is in the hand of the people of that particular country.

"The solution is in your hand," he said.

Terming Bangladesh a very peaceful country, he said it can move towards prosperity.

He said there is Chinese or Indian way of economic development but now it is time to define Bangladesh way of economic development.

About Prof Muhammad Yunus, he said many people abroad know Bangladesh because of him, and his microfinance has given opportunities to the poor.

Energy adviser to the prime minister Toufik-e-Elahi Chowdhury said public sector and private resources could be put together to solve problems.

"When we deal with people, we must not forget they have heart, head and soul," he said.

WMS chairman Anwar said many who participated in the programme did not have knowledge about Bangladesh.

"Now all of them are leaving Dhaka with positive minds and this is one of the achievements of the summit to portray Bangladesh in a positive manner," he said.

Over 60 academics, corporate, world body and NGO officials attended the programme.

The next summit will be held in March next year