News
Seminar on “Efficient Port Logistic Management and Trade Competitiveness of Bangladesh”
An efficient port logistic system is the demand of time right at this moment, said the speakers at the the seminar on “Efficient Port Logistic Management and Trade Competitiveness of Bangladesh” organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and industry (DCCI) held on 19 September 2022 at DCCI auditorium. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present as the chief guest. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Rizwan Rahman, President, Dhaka Chamber.
Mostafa Kamal, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping said that beside Chittagong and Mongla port Payra port is coming soon. Recently Abu Dhabi port has showed their interest to work in Bangladesh’s port sector in any area. Regarding logistic improvement, he said that in recent past government has invested a lot to make our ports more functional. He also stressed for professional people in this sector for better output. He said that as a regulatory authority there can be an ICD Authority in the country.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said port logistics management is an important element of international trade competitiveness. With the consistent enhancement of the capacity, the Chattogram port has been recognized as the 64th world's busiest port. But Chattogram port has been ranked as the Asia's least efficient trade hub for handling containers according to the World Bank due to lower drafting capacity, inefficient port handling capacity, limited port yard, poor turn-around time, port shed and modern equipment. If the infrastructural capacity of Chattogram port is increased, our cost of doing business will be reasonably lower resulting into efficient trade lead time and investment surge. Considering the growing importance of port led trade, efficient port development including logistic capacity, container handling, storage and relevant hinterland infrastructure and transport connectivity are essential to strengthen operational efficiency of our supply chain system of cross-border trade.
Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange of Bangladesh presented the keynote paper. He highlighted that Bangladesh is ranked 100 overall in the logistic performance index, 102nd in logistics quality and competence index. Moreover, Bangladesh has one of the highest logistic costs globally. Modern ports enhance regional connectivity and global markets, ICDs and industrial zones. He said absence of national logistics strategy, complex regulatory system, proper policies, limited private sector participation are some of the challenges for efficient port logistic management. Later he said that the country needs a national logistics policy.
Mr. Shamim Ul Huq, Country Director, DP World Bangladesh said Bangladesh has done a tremendous prospects in ports but still it lags behind. To compete with the global market he suggested for an integrated logistics platform. He also said that coordination among the multiple agencies is very important.
Mr. Kabir Ahmed, President Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association said port should not be used as a warehouse. We are planning to increase our export to USD 100 billion, but for that we need private sector bonded warehouse. Moreover he urged for regulatory reforms and independence for private ICD in the policy. But without post logistic development we can go ahead, he added.
Syed Ali Jowher Rizvi, Managing Director, Summit Alliance Port Ltd. said that to achieve USD 100 billion export we have to have more off docks in the private sector.
Lee Peng Gee, Vice President, Group Business Development, PSA International private Ltd. said PSA is keen to participate in the development of Bay Terminal project and presently they are doing feasibility study and they are committed to work closely with Bangladesh to invest and develop this iconic project. After the project completes it will enhance connectivity of Chattogram port.
Md. Zafar Alam, Joint Secretary, Chittagong Port Authority said Chattogram port is rightly increasing its efficiency by adding equipment, yard area and reducing its time. Moreover, effort has been taken to increase the draft of Chattagram port upto 10 meter and 200 meter length.
DCCI Senior Vice President Arman Haque gave the concluding remarks.
Published on: 2022-09-19