The contribution of international trade to the GDP of Bangladesh is about 25 percent. If this rate is to be increased, it is necessary to reduce the lack of coordination of the related government agencies including automation in port and customs operations, increase in logistics facilities. At the same time, it is very important to improve the balance of payments, increase the foreign exchange reserves and reduce the interest rate of bank loans logically.
Ashraf Ahmed, the President of DCCI, said the above-mentioned at the discussion meeting titled ‘Simplification of Business Process: Perspectives of International Trade’ organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Tuesday (October 15).
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh Member (Finance) SM Lovelur Rahman, Chittagong Port Authority Member (Harbor and Marine) Commodore M Fazlur Rahman, Mongla Port Authority Deputy Secretary (Director, Traffic) Md. Kamal Hossain, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (WTO Division) Dr. Farhana Irish and supervising engineer of Bangladesh Land Port Authority. Hasan Ali participated.
While presenting the main article, the president of DCCI said that the private sector is facing various problems including devaluation of money, high inflation, shortage of foreign currency reserves, high interest rate of bank loans and obstacles in opening loans. Also there are procedural complications and lengthy procedures in customs clearance of imported goods at the ports. Due to the imposition of various types of fines, our business costs are constantly increasing.
He said, due to lack of automation in the country’s port operations, insufficient testing and scanning facilities, a lot of time is wasted in importing and exporting goods. As a result, traders are constantly lagging behind in international competition.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh member SM Lovelur Rahman said that due to the lack of coordination between government agencies and private organizations at the port, in many cases, the import-export process of goods is being delayed. Once the third terminal of Shahjalal International Airport is operational, the cargo facility will increase by 2 to 3 times. 3 more cargo villages will be established there.
Chittagong Port Authority Member (Harbor and Marine) Commodore M Fazlur Rahman said, due to lack of coordination of institutions involved in the import-export activities of goods in Chittagong port, in many cases container jams and other obstacles are created at the port. In order to deal with this problem, along with the automation activities, the skills of the organizations and individuals should be increased.
Deputy Secretary of Mongla Port Authority. Kamal Hossain said that although there is necessary infrastructure in Mongla port, the number of ships using this port is very less. The private sector needs to use Mongla Port at a higher rate.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce (WTO Division) Dr. Farhana Irish emphasized on increasing the capacity of all concerned to improve the status of Bangladesh in international trade.
Bangladesh Land Port Authority Supervising Engineer Md. Hasan Ali said that out of the country’s 24 land ports, 23 with India and 1 with Myanmar carry out commercial activities. Project activities are continuing to implement automation activities at all land ports. It is expected to be completed within the next 2 years. If these works are completed, besides increasing the revenue collection of the government, the businessmen will also benefit. Also, if the land ports have scanning facilities, the import-export process will be more speedy.
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