Automation in port operations, increasing logistics facilities, improving coordination of related government agencies, improving balance of payment conditions and rationally reducing the interest rate of bank loans are very important for the overall economic development, said speakers at a discussion on Tuesday.
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) organized the focus group discussion titled “Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective” 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.
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 AuthorityMd. 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.
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.
DCCI Directors Taskeen Ahmed, Razeev H Chowdhury, former Vice President M. Abu Hurairah, former Director A. K. D. Khair Mohammad Khan and ConvenorMd. Saifur Rahman among others also spoke on the occasion.
