They said a number of items such as processed vegetables, software, seafood, jewellery, toys, aromatic rice and electronics can be put in the country's export basket to help export diversify.

Export diversification is key to participating in the present competitive global trading system, they said adding that Bangladesh has done fairly well in its export development efforts.

They were addressing a seminar in the capital on 'Export Diversification Tools' jointly organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, Washington.

Speaking at the function, DCCI acting President Manzur-ur Rahman Ruskin recommended upgrade of design and quality of products and production of value added items for export diversification.

Presenting the keynote paper at the seminar, Syed Jamal Uddin, a former civil servant, said in Bangladesh the export base is not so strong and there is no breakthrough in expanding the export basket.

"Diversification of country's exports is a must for easing the pressure on balance of payment situation," he pointed out.

He proposed that the leading chambers such as FBCCI, MCCI and DCCI post their own representatives in important locations abroad to strengthen the operation of the commercial wings of the Bangladesh missions there.

He also stressed the need for proper investigation into allegation that certain products are now being dumped into the Bangladesh market and said the Tariff Commission should look into it.

Among others, DCCI directors Omar Faruque, KMH Shahidul Haque, Kamrul Islam and Nessar Maksud Khan spoke at the function.