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Discussion on “Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective”

DCCI President calls for automation in port operations, increasing logistics facilities and reducing incoordination among related organizations Focus Group Discussion on “Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective” held at DCCI

The contribution of international trade to our GDP is about 25 percent, however, if this rate is to be increased further, DCCI president Ashraf Ahmed thinks that automation in port operations, increasing logistics facilities, improving coordination of related government agencies, improving balance of payment conditions, increasing foreign reserves and rationally reducing the interest rate of bank loans are very important.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a focus group discussion titled “Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective” on October 15, 2024 at DCCI Auditorium.

While presenting the keynote paper, President of Dhaka Chamber Ashraf Ahmed said that in recent times, our private sector has been plagued with various problems like devaluation of money, high inflation, shortage of foreign currency reserves, high interest rate of bank loans and obstacles while opening of LC etc. Ashraf Ahmed also mentioned that our business expenses are constantly increasing as a result of procedural complications and lengthy procedures at customs houses, ports and imposition of various types of penalties. Along with this, due to the lack of automation in the country's ports, insufficient testing and scanning facilities, a lot of time is wasted in importing and exporting goods, as a result of which the businessmen are constantly lagging behind in international competition, he opined.

Ashraf Ahmed also mentioned that the government is setting an export target of 57.5 billion for the fiscal year 2025. To achieve this target, the government needs to ensure automation and modern facilities in all ports in order to increase the overall export. DCCI President emphasized on increasing the capacity through training of C&F agents, ports employees and customs houses as well as improving land, rail & water connectivity with ports. He also stressed on increasing foreign exchange reserves to facilitate international transactions.

Member (Finance) of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh S M Lablur Rahman, Member (Harbor & Marine), Member (Harbor & Marine) of Chittagong Port Authority Commodore M Fazlur Rahman, (C) BSP, psc, BN, Deputy Secretary (Director, Traffic) of Mongla Port Authority Md. Kamal Hossain, Joint Secretary (WTO Wing), Ministry of Commerce Dr. Farhana Iris and Superintendent Engineer of Bangladesh Land Port Authority, Md. Hasan Ali joined the event as designated discussants.

Member of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh S M Lablur Rahman said, in many cases import-export process of goods seems to be very time consuming due to lack of coordination between government agencies as well as private sector. He said, once the operation of the third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport begins, the cargo facilities will increase by 2-3 times and 3 more cargo villages will be established there. He informed that “Time-based measurement system” of goods will be implemented very soon to facilitate the process of clearing goods at the airports.

Joining the event virtually, Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Commodore M Fazlur Rahman said that due to the lack of coordination among the respective organizations of Chittagong port, container jams and other obstacles are being created at the port in many cases. To resolve this issue, he emphasized on increasing the automation activities and upskilling of the organizations and individuals involved in this process.

Deputy Secretary of Mongla Port Authority Md. Kamal Hossain said, although there is necessary infrastructure in Mongla port, the number of ships using this port is very few. He urged the private sector to use Mongla Port as much as possible. He mentioned that last year 1 crore 8 lakh metric tons of products and 32 thousand containers were cleared through Manglaport.

Joint Secretary (WTO Wing), Ministry of Commerce Dr. Farhana Iris stressed on increasing the capacity of all concerned agencies to improve the status of Bangladesh in international trade.

Superintendent Engineer of Bangladesh Land Port Authority, Md. Hasan Ali said, out of the country's 24 land ports, 23 with India and 1 with Myanmar conduct commercial activities. He said that the project activities are continuing with the aim of implementing automation activities in all land ports, which will be completed within the next 2 years. He also opined that if it is possible to provide scanning facilities at the land ports, the import-export process will be faster.

DCCI Directors Taskeen Ahmed, Razeev H Chowdhury, former Vice President M. Abu Hurairah, former Director A. K. D. Khair Mohammad Khan and Convenor Md. Saifur Rahman among others also spoke on the occasion.

DCCI Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, members of the Board of Directors and stakeholders from public & private sector were present at the event.

Published on: 2024-10-15