Seminar Recommendation

Strategies for Business Benefits from SDG for the Private Sector

 

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a Seminar titled “Strategies for Business Benefits from SDG for the Private Sector” at DCCI on March 01, 2017.Mr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), Prime Minister’s Office, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Shamsul Alam, Member (Senior Secretary), General Economic Division, Planning Division, Govt. of Bangladesh and Mr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman, PPRC were present as the Special Guests. Mr. Asif Ibrahim, former president of DCCI and Advisor of DCCI SDG standing committee presented the Keynote paper.

As designated discussants, Mr. Khurshid Alam, Assistant Country Director UNDP Bangladesh, Engineer Akber Hakim, Director, DCCI joined the seminar. Among others, Dr. Zaforullah of Gonoshahtho Kendro, Aroma Dutta, Project Director of PRIP Trust, Md. Anisur Rahman Chowdhury, Director operation OXFAM, Md. Rashedur Rahman, Assistant Professor of University of Dhaka, Farah Kabir, Country Director of Actionaid Bangladesh, K. Atique-e-Rabbani, Director of DCCI, Abdul Muktadir, Director of DCCI, Andaleeb Hasan, Convener of DCCI SDG standing Committee, MS Siddiqui and Salman Karim took part in the open discussion session.

Recommendations emerged from the Seminar based on the priority are given below: 

Short term recommendations:

• SDG mapping for private sector.
• Determine measureable indicators for private sector aligning with public sector for achievement of SDG.
• Frame SDG committee with private sector participation.
• Frame cooperation framework engaging government, private sector, NGO and civil society for achieving SDGs.
• Design SDG incentive package for private sector.

 

Mid-term recommendations:

• Design roadmap focusing on positive branding of Bangladeshi made products globally.
• Formulate pro-investment tax and vat policy and ensure investment friendly environment to scale-up private investment aligning with SDGs.
• Link SDG with sector-wise business value chain.
• Develop transparent reporting mechanism on progress of SDGs in public and private sector.
• Ensure private participation in utility services like water and sanitation sector.
• Academia and Industry research collaboration focusing on innovation & entrepreneurship in order to contributing to SDG.
• Space needs to be created for further flourishing SME with the view to contributing qualitative economic growth by creating employment
• Establish public private monitoring cell under the SDG coordination office under PMO 
• Private sector needs to develop risk product and risk financing facilities for the most vulnerable people of the country

 

Long-term recommendations:

• Tax/GDP ratio net, private investment and FDI need to be increased from the current level for SDG financing.
• Frame short term, mid-term and long term goal for achieving SDG.
• Develop data reservoirs to assess the SDG outcome.
• Reduce inequality, ensure transparency for successful implementation of SDG.
• Reduce energy poverty strengthening coloration and partnership with energy rich neighboring countries.
• Establishing 1000 high schools across the country under the government funding in order to ensure quality education, create skilled manpower and knowledge-based society.
• Coordinated engagement of commerce, industry, finance, labor and youth ministry in translating SDG in private sector.
• Create new other growth driver and export basket like Agri-industry and Agri-business which are still untapped.
• Focus on local resources to financing SDG.
• Alongside RMG, new growth driver and export basket focusing on agro and agro-processing industry need to be created for generating employment and balanced economic growth.
• Ensure active participation of private sector for ensuring employment, creating skilled workforce and for poverty alleviation.

 

Round Table Discussion Report on “Road to 2030: Strategic Priorities”

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Economic Reporters’ Forum jointly organized a Round Table Discussion titled “Road to 2030: Strategic Priorities” at DCCI on April 20, 2017.Mr. MA Mannan, MP, Honorable State Minister for Finance and Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Moazzem Hossain, Editor, the Financial Express, Mr. Ziaur Rahman, General secretary, ERF, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute, Mr. Hossain Khaled, Former President DCCI, Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD, Mr. Asif Ibrahim, Former President DCCI and Mr. Paban Chowdhury, (Secretary), Executive Chairman, BEZA were the respected panel discussants. Also, DCCI Vice President Hossain A Sikder, Directors Imran Ahmed, KMN Manjurul Hoque, Md. Alauddin Malik, K. Atique-e-Rabbani, FCA, Kh. Rashedul Ahsan and Secretary General AHM Rezaul Karim were present there. In addition, former director of DCCI Motiur Rahman, Shafiqul Islam Bureau Chief of AFP, Business Editor of The Daily Star Sajjadur Rahman, Chief Editor of News Today Matiul Alam, DCCI Joint Convener Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Qamrul Islam took part in the discussion during the Q&A session.

Recommendations emerged from the Discussion based on the priority are given below:

Short term recommendations:

• Design a Human Resource Development Budget.
• Attract Sunset Industry to invest in Bangladesh.
• Emphasize on personal income rather than corporate TAX.
• Fix bureaucratic complexities which entails prolonged decision-making.
• Ensure participation of the mass in development planning.
• Determine social inclusiveness and environmental sustainability to harmonize SDG.
• Ensure prompt implementation of the proposed “one stop service” in business opportunities.
• Design TVET and HRD training following a need-driven approach.
• Frame a time-bound management of ADP fund.
• Ensure political commitment to the development at relevant levels.
• Formulate a Taxation system which can efficiently balance with market competitiveness.
• Design a VAT system following several slabs.

 

Mid-term recommendations:

• Formulate expansion of entrepreneurial base.
• Design development planning for the Banking and Capital Market sector.
• Ensure capacity development of regulators in Banking and Capital Market.
• Ensure development sourcing from the Capital Market.
• Establishment of Bond Market.
• Approve the Financial Reporting Act which had been proposed in 2015.
• Ensure cost balancing and sequencing in development projects.
• Formulate land management planning to aid ideal industrialization.
• Introduce computerization and digitization.
• Formulate demand-driven soft skill enhancing projects.

 

Long-term recommendations:

• Ensure US$ 320 billion investment fund flow only in infrastructure where US$ 20-22 billion investment annually.
• Prepare effective policies towards ensuring environmental consideration in infrastructure development projects.
• Formulate improvement in sector of critical importance including infrastructure, power, energy security, skill development, export diversification, rail road network, and ports and support service.
• Formulate a qualitative development of infrastructure to get sufficient local and foreign investment needed to attain its desired goal.
• Make public-private partnership functional and to attain increased foreign direct investment and quality investment in infrastructure
• Ensure enhancement of the government’s project implementation capacity, creating skilled workforce and ensuring transparency should also get priority.
• Enable an environment which ensures a mixture of SDG and Vision 2030.
• Ensure good governance to steer quality investment in development projects.
• Engage with BCIM economic corridor, BBIN motor vehicle agreement and Asian highway for regional integration.
• Ensure a business eco-system which is investment friendly.
• Maintain simultaneity in providing energy efficiency while improving energy sector.
• Ensure labor law is being maintained and practiced in EPZs.

Seminar Report on Blue Economy: New Frontier, New Possibility

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar titled “Blue Economy: New Frontier, New Possibility” at DCCI on April 27, 2017. Mr. Anisul Islam Mahmud, MP, Minister, Ministry of Water Resources attended the seminar as the chief guest while H.E. Panpimon Suwannapongse,  Ambassador of Thailand, H.E. Nur Ashikin binti Mohd Taib, High Commissioner of Malaysia and H.E. Masurai Masri, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam were present as the special guests. Mr. Abul Kasem Khan, President of DCCI delivered the welcome address and Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam, ndc, pscSecretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the keynote paper.Engr. Akber Hakim, Coordinating, Director, DCCI, Mr. Sayedur Rahman Chowdhury, Professor, Institute of Marine Science and Fisheries, University of Chittagong and Mr. Golam Shafiuddin, ndc, Additional Secretary, Blue Economy, GoB were present as the panelists. Kh. Rashedul Ahsan, Director of DCCI, Mr. Abdus Salam, former SVP of DCCI, Mr. Shekil Chowdhury, former SVP of DCCI, Mr. Waqar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Director of DCCI, Mr. AKD Khair Mohammad Khan, former Director of DCCI, Mr. Syed Moazzem Hossain, former Director of DCCI, Mr. Syed Almas Kabir and Capt. Md Nurul Haque participated in the open discussion session.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The following recommendations emerged from the seminar.

Short-term recommendations:

-          Learning from international best practices and success of neighboring countries

-          Encourage investment in shipbuilding and shipping industry which will help save foreign currency taken out by the foreign shipping companies.

-          Encourage private sector for deep sea fishing

-          Focus need to be given on fish cage culturing

Mid-term recommendations:

-          Conduct feasibility study on the viability of power generation from tidal wave

-          Develop a strategic plan for development of marine tourism

-          Explore new offshore gas reserves under the sea

-          Revitalize waterways for carrying goods between Dhaka and Chittagong with the view to easing traffic pressure on Dhaka–Chittagong Highway and reducing economic loss

-          Encourage public and private partnership investment on marine-based economic activities

-          Procure  well-equipped research vessel

 

Long-term recommendations:

-          Develop Marine Spatial Planning encompassing marine  conservation, sustainable use of living resources, oil and mineral extraction, sustainable energy production and maritime transport integrating with green componentof blue economy

-          Introduce faculty on Oceanography  in public universities, equipped with expert faculty members and marine research facilities

-          Develop a road map on blue economy development encompassing commercially potential economic activities, skilled workforce and marine research.

-          Develop marine resource center under public private platform

-          Focus on sea conservation

-          Motivate and incentivize private investment to come forward with investment plan for oil and gas exploration in deep sea area.

Seminar Report on “Introduction to Bangladesh GAP”

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar titled “Introduction to Bangladesh GAP” at DCCI on April 30, 2017. Mr. Kamrul Islam, FCA, Senior Vice President, DCCI graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Hossain A Sikder, Vice President, DCCI and Mr. Michael Field, Chief of Party, Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) was present as the Special Guests. Kbd. K M Shaiful Islam, Deputy Director (Extension), Field Service Wing, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) presented the Keynote paper.

As designated discussants, Dr. Mian Syeed Hasan, CSO-Crop Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Dr. Md. Saleh Ahmed, National Consultant, Food Safety Programme, FAO, Mr. Zakir Hossain, General Secretary, Bangladesh Supermarket Owners Association (BSOA) joined the seminar. Among others, Md. Shoaib Choudhury Former Vice President, DCCI & Team Leader: DCCI-DAI Project, Mr. Momin Ud Dowlah Convener of DCCI on Standing Committee on Agro based Trade/Services and Commercialization of Agriculture- 2017, Mr. Imran Ahmed Coordinating Director, DCCI Standing Committee on Agro based Trade/Services and Commercialization of Agriculture- 2017 took part in the open discussion session.

Short Term Recommendation

• organize international trade fair where entrepreneurs from agri industry can see the packaging and pricing of other countries’ products.
• Communicate research results regarding GAP through print and electronic media.
• Incentives need to be given to farmers to adopt the GAP
• Following the standards of imported fruits
• Providing training on GAP to its stakeholders
• Formalize the GAP as soon as possible and urged not of compromise in standards in certification as branding of Bangladesh depends on it

 

Mid Term Recommendation

• Certification process of products needs to be simplified
• Testing facility needs to be available to the farmers.
• Making certification process, the big bottleneck more rigorous but farmer friendly. 
• Strong Surveillance in the supply chain of food products
• Providing technical assistance to farmers on fertilizer and pesticide usage in crop lands
• Forming a board for reducing contamination.

 

Long Term Recommendation

• Systematic approach to recognize the activities of supply chain according to the GAP
• Collaborative approach to work on this issue to accelerate the process of GAP implementation. 
• Follow PPP model to accelerate the GAP implementation process
• Value chain facilities and Market linkage programs need to be initiated to ensure easy access to international market.

 

Seminar Report on Eco-Friendly Pulp and Paper Processing from Jute

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar titled “Eco-Friendly Pulp and Paper Processing from Jute” at DCCI auditorium on May 13, 2017.Mr. Mirza Azam, M.P., Hon'ble State Minister, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladeshhas graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Md. Fazle Wahid Khondaker, Additional Secretary (Research), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh; was the special guest. Key note paper presented by Dr. Asaduzzaman, Director (Technical) Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI). Dr. Babul Chandra Roy, Director General of the BJRI, and Mr. Rashedul Karim Munna, Convener, SME Standing Committee, 2017, DCCI were the distinguished panelists and Dr. Manjurul Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute was the special discussant. DCCI Senior Vice President Kamrul Islam, FCA gave vote of thanks and discussed some important aspects in this regard. DCCI Vice President Hossain A Sikder, DCCI Directors Asif A Chowdhury, Kh. Rashedul Ahsan, Imran Ahmed and Secretary General AHM Rezaul Kabir were also present.

Short-term RECOMMENDATIONS:

-      To protect the Jute diversification activities, government should enact law to protect the industry

-      Adopt mechanism to regulate international price hike of pulp

-      Produce viscose from our local jute pulp

-      Patronize jute as vegetable productgiven its nutritional value for its larger containment of high fibre content.

-      Effective market forecast/research before any enactment

Mid-term RECOMMENDATIONS:

-      Government to take immediate step to start a plant for processing viscose

-      Necessary amendment and renovation of the Jute Act

-      Continuing enactment to observe 6th March as 'National Jute Day' every year to promote this sector

-      Establish paper mill only for jute pulp

-      Extended government support to renovate and reinvent jute industry diversification

-      Adopt plans to instrumentalise the existing paper mills to aid pulp production.

-      Market the feature of non-wood fibre

-      Foster industry-R&D linkagein jute diversification research

-      Allocate extensive research for producing jute in south-west part of the country

-      Introduce special financing schemefor borrowers in this sector

-      Comply with the SDG2030which clearly identifies climate issue

 

Long-term RECOMMENDATIONS:

-      Pilot projectto be done by the ministry for Jute paper making from pulp. Minister strongly made the point the ministry will undertake.

-      Mandatory Jute paper procurement Act to be enacted as and when Jute paper making is commercially viable.

-      Setting up mills to produce high quality pulp from green jute which can meet the entire demand for making paper and also leave surplus from export

-      Use the large-scale saline lands of the southern regionwhich are lying untapped

-      Establish a viscose processing plant

-      Ministry of Agriculture needs to help private sector for jute diversification

-      Create the revival of jute through innovation and diversification

-      Fund the scientific processing of pulpfrom jute and from pulp we can produce eco-friendly paper

-      Encourage and give beneficial avenue to private sector so that they can get land from BJMC to establish paper or textiles mills using pulp and viscose

-      Redevelop dependency on local seedto regain its glory

-      Strengthening research work for newer innovation

-      Global brandingplatform to be made effective

 

Round Table on‘Chittagong Port: Current Status and Way Forward’

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar titled ‘Chittagong Port: Current Status and Way Forward’ on 29 July at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka. Rear Admiral M Khaled Iqbal, BSP, ndc, psc, Chairman, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) graced the seminar as the Chief Guest. Mr. Abul Kasem Khan, President of DCCI delivered the welcome address and Mr. Asif A Chowdhury, Director, DCCI presented the Key Note paper.

In addition, renowned business leaders, exporters, importers, representative of shipping agents, C&F, Bangladesh Bank and NBR also joined the event.

Mr. Abul Kasem Khan President of DCCI in his welcome address pointed out that

• Chittagong Port is recognized as gateway and lifeline of all maritime trade of Bangladesh, contributing to trade, investment and industrial growth. Chittagong Port accounts for about $60 billion import and export and import
• Strategic location of Chittagong Port adds prospect to the future growth of the country
• The Chittagong Port is improving its position in the global ranking- positions as 76 in 2016 from 87^th  position in 2015
• Despite the global improving ranking, the Port faces manifold challenges and problems resulting in serious efficiency issues which downgrade the business competitiveness of Bangladesh
• Increasing cost of freight, incoming vessel waiting time delay to four days, extended unloading and loading time upto 12 days, inefficiency in transportation and handling  containers are the key impediments which reduce the port competitiveness
• As recommendation, he mentioned that as free time four days needs to be considered as four working days
• As midterm action plan, he proposed to expedite the development of planned container jetties, Potenga Port and Bay Terminal
• In factory we competitive in terms of labor and entrepreneur. However, we are not competitive beyond factory
• Fear factor needs to be built-in in policy level for proper implementation and tap the window of opportunity before we miss it.

 

Mr. Asif A Chowdhury, Director, DCCI in his Key Note Paper Highlighted that

• Maximum Permissible Draught-vessels range from 8.5 to 9.5 meters and the maximum Length Overall of a vessel is 186 meters to 190 meters. However, night Navigation of ship movements are limited to vessels no longer than 175 meters LOA
• The port has 4 gantry cranes to load and unload containers from vessels, 19 rubber-tire gantry cranes, 38 units of straddle carriers, and 17 reach stackers and 45 mobile crane and 64 trailers of  different capacity ranging 6 to 24 MT
• Current container handling capacity in Chittagong port is around 2.3 Million TEU. It is projected There will be three-fold rise in container traffic in next 15 years. The expected figures are 2.7 million TEUs in 2020 and 5.4 million TEUs in 2040
• Procurement of logistics,  development of port infrastructure and enhancing the service efficiency remained slow in relation to the steep growth of port uses and consistent national economic  growth over the Years
• Turnaround time in Chittagong port reached to 5-7 days where as it is 1.38 days in Singapore, 0.96 days in Shanhgai Port, 0.68 days in Busan port in South Korea, 4.18 days in Kolkata port and 1.7 days in Colombo port in Srilanka.
• Fare of Chittagong-bound container ships from Shenzen, Shanghai and Guangzhou of China because of delay, they have raised it from $50 to $275
• Freight $600 was raised per container of Chittagong-bound ships from North Asia and South Asia including China. Since November last year, the rate was $450 and $400.
• Mismatch  between handling  Capacity and growing  demand , customs related clearance complexities, lack of contingency plan for rush session like festive time and monsoon, poor road connectivity, time gap between to shifting break (labour/equipment operator), force sailing , Importers delay emptying the containers, Limited Night sailing, lack of coordination among port service providing agencies are identified as the key problems and challenges of Chittagong Port.

·         The impedimenta and congestion in the Chittagong Port causes disruption to supply chains, leading to rise in consumer goods prices which suffers entire economy, Increase lead time, fuel the cost of doing business, hampers cross-border trade and inflow of Investment, spur food and non -food inflation in the market

·         For future development of Chittagong Port focus needs to be given on enhancing capacity building of the country’s premier maritime port, easing export-import activities and keep the port 24/7 operational, procurement of necessary equipment, build new jetties and terminals to improve its performance, development of a ‘time-bound strategic plan’ and Investment to improve the capacity and security of Chittagong Port.

·         As short term recommendations, he stressed on to ensure available all equipment in hand to work properly ,proper Implementation of Terminal Management with smooth entry and exit,  full time traffic free road connectivity between on-dock and off-dock, strictly follow cut-off time for export loading, quick execution of auction process as per existing rule, quick service of the scanner in the gate and allow all lighter age ships having 100 to 150 Mt capacity can directly be routed back to Small river ports across the country.

• As mid-term solution, he emphasized on Immediate installation of Gantry Crane in the five berth of NCT Terminal, expansion of container yard facilities, build container yard , well-Equipping, modernisation and relocation of naval base, build temporary steel structure jetty bear present location of dry dock,  dredging of karnaphuli river, repair all the jetty and fender, improve the dredging and channel of Mongla Port and enhance the engagement of Mongla Port and equipment procurement  process control  by Ministry of Shipping can be delegated to CPA
• As long-term recommendation, he stressed on development of the Bay terminal, make Payra port ready within projected time, make Mongla Port more attractive to importer and exporter, deep sea port project implementation to ease the Chittagong Port operation and Integrated single window service facility/ Paperless port clearance process.
• Improvement and de-congestion in the Chittagong Port will help to retain $250 million Export earning loss, reduce lead time, ease FDI in-flight in Bangladesh, improve the cost of doing business condition, improve in the global ranking map and rank in Ease of doing business and Logistics performance index.  

 

Rear Admiral M Khaled Iqbal, BSP, ndc, psc, Chairman, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) stated that

• Chittagong port handle 92% of import and export.
• Initiative has undertaken to develop Infrastructure, Jetties, yard, manpower  and equipment engaging all concerned stakeholders in Chittagong Port
• Chittagong port operates 24 hours a day
• Initiative has been taken to repair the damaged gantry
• Short term, midterm and long term plan are interlinked for sustainable port development
• Seven Five Year plan also focus on port de-congestion
• No issue is justified for charging surcharge and extra-freight. The issue will be looked into and further consultation will be carried with relevant agencies.
• The development plan will be started from 2019 with implementation with Patange container terminal with three container jetties and one oil container jetty
• ADB has sowed interest for financing of port development
• Customs has taken initiative for scanning procedure improvement with green channel system
• Need to develop more off-dock and initiative has been taken
• Equipment is related with the port efficiency. Initiative has been taken for procuring required equipment for port operation
• Port traffic affected due to high mobility of transport in the same area
• For de-congestion, Covered Van needs to be removed from Port area
• Currently turnaround time is 2.9 days which was earlier 4 days
• Container which entered in the port areas should be loaded in the Ship
• Cut off time privilege to BGMEA
• Strict measure will be taken to remove for congestion after free time and cut-off time is expired
• Private participation like land lord system will be introduced. Laldia will be developed under  PPP and Bay terminal  under landlord system
• Traffic has been reduced for Pangaon
• Trailer service to ICD in not progressing
• Study has been conducted on Gupta belt so that large size vessel can moves
• 6 lac empty containers are transported to Singapore
• FCL has be cleared in 24 hour LCL in 48 hours
• Customs has already started 24 hours port operation. Discussion with be held with  Governor of Bangladesh for operating banking services in port round the clock
• Since port container handling capacity has witnessed double digit , CPA can meet the BGMEA $50 billion export target
• if no new jetty is constructed , the port will reach its maximum capacity level in 2019,
• Port needs to be declared as thrust sector by the Government
• Leverage to port Authority in procuring port equipment

Mr. Mohammad Zafar Alam, Joint Secretary, Member Admin & Planning, CPA

• Port is a logistic platform engaging many actors like shipping Agents, C&F, Customs, Banks etc
• All actor like spinning wheel and needs to perform at the same tune
• Chittagong Port is a tool port
• Tidal port, length restriction, night navigation,  draft restriction, all jetties are not same draft, delivery system is unique are the main feature of Chittagong Port
• Till 1977 , it was designed as cargo port then it was transformed as container port and then as Ivory port
• Of the total handling, 33% are containers and 67% are cargo
• Total 2.41 million TEUs was handled in last year and its capacity is 2.64 TUES.
• Cargo vessels are  6 and container vessels are 15
• 14000 TEUS can be accommodated in port considering four day free time
• 44% cargos are cleared within four days
• Of the total container, 95% FCL and 5% are LCL
• Capacity increase double in five years
• Invest in Jetty, Yard and equipment to decongestion of the port
• Strategic master plan has developed in 2015
• Bay terminal will come up by 2021 and Patenga Terminal will be developed much earlier
• Export container free time to 7 days from 4 days for BGMEA to support $50 billion export target

 

Mr. Naser Izaz, SCB

• Multiple agencies need to act for the better performance of port.
• SCB like to extend funding facility for port development

Mr. Hatem, Former Vice President, BKMEA

• 3-4 days take in Off-dock

 

Mr, Mahabub Ahmed, Shipping Consultant

• As per survey in 2008, the traffic flow of container in Bangladesh will reach to above 6 million TEUs in 2030 in line with the economic growth of the country
• By 2020, traffic flow will reach 3 million plus
• Need to focus on water way for transportation of cargo from Chittagong port to Dhaka and vice versa

Mr. Hossain Khaled, PP, DCCI

• Bangladesh import dependent and export oriented economy
• CPA pointing finger that due to negligence of industry people congestion is taking place in Chittagong  Port
• Lac of synchronization of customs law , frequent changes in the customs law, transportation problem force businesses to de-accelerate the clearance process

Mr. M. S. Siddiqui

• RMG export target $50 billion by 2021. Is port is ready to handle this traffic.
• Though can be given on selling our of Port or hire port authority replicating the model of Sri Lanka and Singapore 

 

Mr. Asif Ibrahim , PP, DCCI

• For trade facilitation as well as achieve the economic target set to achieve by the Year 2021, may face set back as the export growth is downsized.
• Port lead time hamper the trade facilitation
• Export increases in neighboring countries where as our export is shrinking in terms of growth percentage. To accelerate the growth pace, focus needs to be given on infrastructure development.
• Politicization also affect the operational capacity of the Port

Mr. Rizwan-ur-Rahman,  BoD, DCCI

• Upon development of Payra port, some pressure will reduce from Chittagong Port
• Co-ordination among all actor
• Divert mother vessel to Payra from Chittagong port in future
• Upon development of DCEC, the pressure on Chittagong will increase further 

 

Mr. Md Liakot Ali Hawlader, Port Secretary, C&F Agent Association

• No step has been taken to reduce the time and cost in port though lot of discussion are taken place on this issue
• Capacity of off-dock need to be enhanced
• Policy of off-dock has developed. However, its yet to be implemented
• Unload imported truck by 24 hours and exported truck by 4 hours

 

Mr. Faruque Hassan, SVP, BGMEA

• Basis and core raw materials import dependent
• Time factor is the big factor for price competitiveness
• Increasing lead time in port causes of losing competitive edge for RMG
• Currently RMG growth experience 2.4 percent negative growth
• Late travel time reaching upto 12-16 hours also add burden to the business competitiveness
• Increasing transportation cost as well as congestion in the port will spell a negative cast in the RMG export target.

 

Dr. M Mashrur Reaz, IFC

• The efficiency of Chittagong port has increased over the years however, the performance is not encouraging compared with the Colombo port in Sri Lanka
• Improvement in Operational efficiency  is lacking in Chittagong Port
• Greater private sector participation in port operation and development replicating the land-lord model needs to increased
• Port governance need to be improved focusing on port management professionalization
• Port supervisory authority needs to be developed
• Improvement in logistic performance index in 2016
• Customs efficiency, shipping efficiency and overall efficiency needs to be increased along with port authority.

 

Mr. Abu Huriaria, Past VP, DCCI

• Improve the position of port in the global ranking

 

Mr. Humayan Rashid, Director, DCCI

• IPPs operators face trouble due to lack of fuel storage facility in Chittagong Port
• Lost and damage of goods in the port due to negligence of concerned authority 
• Travel time congestion reduce in festival time by opening a pocket customs office in Dhaka

Mr. Riyadh Hossain, Director,DCCI

• Time and efficiency are the challenging issue
• Automation of the entire port management services

 

Mr. Rashed Maksud Khan, PP,DCCI

• Port is the gate way of the global market
• Ease of process in the port to facilitate export and import
• Improvement of the customs assessment process
• PPP supported port operation
• Immediate development of deep sea port under CPA

 

Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, PP, DCCI

• Chittagong port responsible for 92% of trade
• Eid holiday, natural disaster also effect the port performance. So alternative mechanism needs to be addressed
• Develop the water ways from Chittagong Port to Pangaon and divert the minimum 50% road container traffic to waterways
• Port operation turned into handicapped
• Engage private sector in port operation. In France, three air ports and sea ports are operated by Chamber of Commerce
• 9.5 metre drafting is often seen as river drafting in many country
• Port development plan should have been developed and implemented before 20 years

 

Mr. Enamual Karim, Deputy Traffic  Manager, CPA

• Chittagong port Tk earned 0.22 from per kg goods handling. If demurrage charge added it reach to Tk.0.25
• Separate space in Dhaka so that container can be stored rather than creating congestion in port premises
• Chittagong Port is not responsible for market inflation

 

 Seminar on Energy Security 2030: Challenges and Opportunities

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organized a seminar titled ‘Energy Security 2030: Challenges & Opportunities’ on 29 July at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka.

Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Hon’ble Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Energy, Power and Mineral Resources, GoB graced the seminar as the Chief Guest while Mr. Md.Tajul Islam, MP, Chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources was present as the special guest.Mr. AbulKasem Khan, President of DCCI delivered the welcome address in the event. Dr. Mohammad Tamim, Professor, Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering, BUET and former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh presented the Key Note Paper.

Dr. Salim Mahmud, Energy Law and Policy Expert and Chairman, BERC Tribunal, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute (PRI), Mr. Mollah M Amzad Hossain, Editor, Energy & Power Magazine, Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman, Technical Director, Institute Orgenergostroy, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Engr. RezwanulKabeer, Managing Director, ECPV Chittagongpresent as the distinguished discussants.  Dr. M. FouzulKabir Khan, Former Secretary, Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, GoB moderated the open discussion session.

In addition, renownedbusiness leaders, investors, energy experts, thought leaders, researchers and academicians, economists, geologists, Secretaries and High officials of the Government, diplomats of the different diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, Board of Directors of DCCI, Past Presidents, Former SVPs and Former VPs of DCCI attended the event.

Mr. AbulKasem Khan- President of DCCI in his welcome address pointed out that

·         Footing the continuous accelerated growth, Bangladesh will be the 30th largest economy with one trillion-dollar GDP having nearly US$200 billion of export earnings and per capita income reaching close to USD$6000 by next  17 years from now - by the year 2030

·         Low-cost production base will not be adequate to qualify Bangladesh as a competitive and attractive investment destination - efficient transportation, modern infrastructure with competitive and reliable energy will become the most crucial elements for Bangladesh to remain competitive in global inventor’s map.

·         The current-round of industrial momentum in Bangladesh has seen notable development in the power generation sector increasing electricity generation capacity up to 15,300 MW, contributing to transform the economy   

·         The demand for energy consumption is driven by growth of industrialization, modernization of agriculture sector, transformation of rural economy, rapid urbanization, and improved standard of living.

·         The supply side in energy sector is not been able to support the growing demands today, many factories and industry are severely affected by this shortage. The energy crisis driven by supply demand gap create serious opportunity loss and affecting the country's competitiveness. A clear road map to our energy need and energy source

·         Depleting natural gas poses threat to the industrial growth of the country

·         Gas supply and exploration both onshore and offshore are critical for our future

·         For better preparation to sustain in the upcoming industrial revolution and scale-up growthtowards desired level extensive focus needs to be given on “Energy Security”.

·          COAL is a major source for energy in numerous countries.India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam have undertaken 82% of the world's new coal fired power plants as per the report from Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), UK. 

·         By 2041, Bangladesh needs to import 60 million ton of coal per year.Bangladesh needs to utilize optimum level of her large coal reserve for its energy source having enough reserves to fuel Bangladesh’s energy and power needs for decades to come reducing dependence on imported coal.

·         Emphasis to chart a strategic plan to accommodate the large coal reserves,  rationalize the cost of LNG including other primary energy and power, fast track new exploration and right Energy mix

 

Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, BB, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Power, Energy & Mineral Resources Affairs, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh stated that

·         First needs to identify the priority including reliable transportation and distribution network

·         Reduction of system loss to single digit by next year

·         Gas supply will be improved by 50% by next year equivalent to 500 mmcfd

·         Consultation with private sector to understand the affordability of private sector in setting the energy price blending with LPG and other primary energy

·         Use the waste steam/heat to increase the energy efficiency (aiming at maximum 80% from broiler) in industry focusing on investment in zone planning

·         $2.5 billion single largest investment in Matarbari power hub

·         Energy resource council with support of NRBs to enrich energy research inBangladesh

 

Mr. Md.Tajul Islam, MP, Chairperson, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources pointed out that

·         Bangladesh has proven its capacity to graduate in the lower middle Income country

·         Government has taken focused initiative to address the infrastructural problem and energy crisis. In order to meet the energy demand for boosting industrial production with the Government Vision set by the 2030, Government has already focused on cross-sector energy solution

·         Geographical distribution and demographic pattern of Bangladesh is a drawback in relation to compare the development pattern of Bangladesh with western economics

·         Solar price in Bangladesh is Tk. 17 where is it is much lower in India.  India can extract the solar for eight hours in a day where is it is only four hours in Bangladesh. This is the reason of higher solar price in Bangladesh. Moreover, scarcity of land attributes the higher solar price in Bangladesh.

·         200 MW of energy is produced from Coal in Bangladesh whereas the share of coal power is much higher in Indiawhich is 2 lac MW and China is 6 lac MW.

 

Dr. Mohammad Tamim, Professor, Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering, BUET highlighted the following issues:

·         Government envisions to scale-up economic growth over 7% for the next 10 year.

·         Despite export is concentrated in single products –RMG, in near future the export base will be expanded with diversified products as articulated in the Seven Five Year Plan document.

·         In current context, industrial worrie as well as discouraging factors are evident for diversification of industrial base due to reliable grid power, short and uncertain gas supply and gap between promise and performance.

·         Frequent policy shift, uncertain fuel mix and unpredictable future price for electricity and gas are identified as prime bottlenecks for energy security

·         Stated that number of studies has concluded that wind energy potential in Bangladesh is minimal to zero.

·         Current technology in Bangladesh required 350-400 acre land for a 100 MW solar plant

·         Shed light on the energy mandate articulated in the SDG 2030 envisioning ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

·          PSMP 2016 developed by JICA- considers SDG goal and Government vision stressing on five important areas such as robust infrastructure for primary energy import, domestic energy resource development and efficient use, high quality of robust power system development, advanced development of green energy and policy & human capital development

·         Mismatch between master plan regarding coal power generation and on ground status

·         In order to ensure energy security comprehensive attention needs to be given on extensive onshore and offshore exploration, overseas resource acquirement by BAPEX, immediate decision on local coal development. Moreover attention needs to be given on Review the policy of BAPEX.

·         Require large private sector investment in distribution and transmission to expedite the government effort towards energy security

·         With Government subsidy, Bio-gas may be encouraged in rural areas

·         Assuming $10 per unit of LNG price, weighted mixing price of gas (local gas price $2.5 and import gas price $10) may reach up to $10 at consumer level

·         Per unit Electricity price may reach to Tk. 8.53  by 2021 and Tk. 11.02 by 2031

·         Industry must invest heavily in efficiency improvement

·         Government should encourage for using energy efficient appliance by the consumers

·         Stressed on switch from conventional to integrated resource planning encompassing bottom up approach, demand side management, environmental consideration

·         Develop a comprehensive energy related database on uses, appliances, consumer behavior, purchasing capacity

·         Central depository of data for formulation of proper policy and planning need to be developed

·         Gradual transition towards a smart grid

·         Maximum effort needs to be given on importing power from neighbor

 

Dr. Salim Mahmud, Energy Law and Policy Expert and Chairman, BERC Tribunal stated that

·         Focus should have been given on Energy policy diversification encompassing Gas, Coal, renewable energy, regional energy trading -at least three decades before

·         Appreciate the government intervention for de-politicization the energy price

·         Gas price does not reflect the opportunity cost

·         In determining the gas price focus needs to be given on gas value chain encompassing upstream and downstream exploration

·         Energy policy should have benchmark covering the criteria of contract like long-term contract, mid-term contract and short terms contract. In this connection, he referred the benchmark power contract policy of India.

·         Legal challenges in the regulatory commission

 

Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute (PRI) stated that

·         Mismatch between installed capacity of power and daily generation indicates inefficiency in power generation

·         Distribution challenge in rural area needs attention from policy maker and implementing agencies

·         Quick rental power plant is the short term solution. So, the contract duration of quick rental power should not be turned into long-term solution

·         For reaching upper middle income country, per capita income needs to be raised to $5000 and GDP growth to 8%.

·         Need to expedite Cross border power trading efficiently including solar power

 

Mr. Mollah M Amzad Hossain, Editor, Energy & Power Magazine pointed out that

·         Data deficiency is the challenge for developing suitable and realistic  policy

·         The electricity price of per unit is Tk. 6 and develop a long term projection to assess the paying capacity of business and industry in order to sustain in the global competitive marker, maintaining our industrial competitiveness

·         As per PDB source, Government plans to generate 22000 MW electricity from Coal. The generation of power from imported coal will be three fold costlier than local coal.

·         The effect of coal price in international market and fluctuation of transportation cost need to be considered for projection and implementation of imported coal based power plant.

·         Bangladesh is on the way to 90% import based energy fuel mix. So, long term pricing needs to be developed.

Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman, Technical Director, Institute Orgenergostroy, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant stated that

·         Due to technological up-gradation, some of the primary energy like coal may not be fully utilized. Bangladesh needs to explore its underground best quality coal shunning the attention on imported coal.

·         Power generation based on imported coal may jeopardize the  future energy security of Bangladesh

·         Emphasis on reliable data and statistics

·         Coal has been neglected, despite having best quality of coal reserve in Bangladesh

·         Focus needs to be given on domestic coal development for affordable and reliable energy

 

 Engr. RezwanulKabeer, Managing Director, ECPV Chittagong stated that

·         Power generation as well as other energy hungry industries are extensively dependent on natural gas

·         IPPs  contribute more than 50% of grid power. He appreciated the policy and intervention of government allowing private sector for power generation

·         Financing of coal project heavily depends on environmental issues

·         Coal project based on import will downgrade the country competitiveness in the long term

·         Adding high cost LNG, price will cut the competitiveness of our textile industry

·         Deregulation should be ensured for energy supply chain along with strengthen local government

·         Policy reform is required focusing on bio-gas

Dr. M. FouzulKabir Khan, Former Secretary, Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, GoB said

·         Bangladesh has potential of producing 2500 MW solar power using roof top solar

·         Model of AdnaniInvestment in coal power generation can be replicated in Bangladesh encompassing integrated energy infrastructure solution such as generation unit, rail network for importing coal.

 

Open Discussion Session: The following discussion emerged in the open discussion session:

 

·         In case of incapacity/limited space  of  port for landing and storage of fuel, policy has been taken to allow private sector to develop its own facility 

·         Need to project the demand accurately to facilitate the reliable policy

·         Allow free land for generating renewable energy as well as generate the power keeping the generation cost at minimum level.

·         Regional cooperation for hydro based energy with Nepal and Bhutan tagging with SDG 2030

·         A clear policy needs to be developed. Even industry does not use natural gas, a charge is imposed on the industry which cuts the competitiveness

·         Synchronized Policy needs to be developed for integration with global capital market to mobilize international capital to meet the huge investment need for energy infrastructure.

·         Considering global climate change, focus needs to be given on renewable energy for energy mix along with energy efficiency to bring out good future

·         Poor progress in onshore and off shore gas exploration, imported coal and good governance are the causes of bleak energy scenario

·         Need to develop  urban distribution and rural distribution policy

·         Need to focus on human resources development focusing on energy resource engineering, energy conservation, energy project management, and mechanical

·         13000 MW can be produced from renewable sources in Bangladesh

·         Bangladesh can procure overseas coal mining project

·         Bankability of solar power plant project is challenge and barrier  

·         Solar infrastructure bond can be developed to address the financing challenge

·         Policy to develop solar IPP incorporating capacity payment like HFO and gas based IPPs

·         Efficiently level of existing power plant needs to be improved rather than developing new power plant as there is huge mismatch between installed capacity and actual power generation

·         In order to popularize roof top solar, focus needs to be given on feeding tariff

·         Efficiency of old power plans are poor. Needs to focus on refurbishment of old power plants.

·         Governance and proper regulatory regime need to be prioritized in  policy and implementation level

·         Needs to focus on supply side and demand side energy efficiency along with energy conservation

·         Involvement of private sector in energy policy planning

·         Use indigenous skill in policy, planning of energy projection

·         Develop Power plant with Myanmar under joint venture and G2G

 

Round Table on Bangladesh Infrastructure 

 

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI)in partnership with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA),The World Bank Group and UKaid organized a day-long Round Table Discussion titled ‘Bangladesh Infrastructure’ on 17 May 2017 at ball room of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.Mr. AHM Mustafa Kamal, FCA, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladeshgraced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Kazi M. Aminul Islam, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Mr. Md. Abdul Kalam Azad, Principal Coordinator, SDG Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office were present as the special guests. Mr. Abul Kasem Khan, President, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) delivered the welcome address. The day-long roundtable discussion was splitted in to three sessions:

Session 1: Infrastructure of Bangladesh-Priority Areas SEZs, Ports and Roads

Session 2: Accelerating Infrastructure Development-Copying others?

Session 3: Financing the Future & Closing Session

 

Recommendation emerged from ‘Session 1: Infrastructure of Bangladesh-Priority Areas SEZs, Ports and Roads’

 

Recommendation on Regulatory Framework for Infra Projects

 

·         For successful infrastructure projects focus need to be given on market & location; infrastructure thread connecting utility, port and transport; enabling legal framework embracing internatio

 

Published on: 2018-03-01