The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) hosted a focus group discussion titled "Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective" on Tuesday. During the event, DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed called on the government to implement automation in port operations, improve logistics infrastructure, and enhance coordination among relevant government agencies to boost Bangladesh’s international trade.
The contribution of international trade to Bangladesh's GDP is approximately 25 percent. To increase this rate further, DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed emphasized the need for automation in port operations, improved logistics facilities, better coordination among government agencies, enhanced balance of payment conditions, increased foreign reserves, and a rational reduction in bank loan interest rates.
In his keynote presentation, DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed highlighted the various challenges facing the private sector, including currency devaluation, high inflation, shortages of foreign currency reserves, elevated bank loan interest rates, and obstacles in opening letters of credit (LCs). He pointed out that procedural complications and lengthy customs processes are continuously driving up business costs. Additionally, he noted that the lack of automation in the country’s ports and insufficient testing and scanning facilities lead to significant delays in importing and exporting goods, placing Bangladeshi businesses at a disadvantage in international competition.
Ashraf Ahmed mentioned that the government has set an export target of $57.5 billion for the fiscal year 2025. To achieve this goal, he stressed the importance of ensuring automation and modern facilities across all ports to boost overall exports. He also emphasized the need for capacity building through training for C&F agents, port employees, and customs staff, along with improving land, rail, and water connectivity with ports. Furthermore, he called for an increase in foreign exchange reserves to facilitate international transactions.
The event featured designated discussants, including S M Lablur Rahman, Member (Finance) of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh; Commodore M Fazlur Rahman, Member (Harbor & Marine) of the Chittagong Port Authority; Md. Kamal Hossain, Deputy Secretary (Director, Traffic) of Mongla Port Authority; Dr. Farhana Iris, Joint Secretary (WTO Wing) of the Ministry of Commerce; and Md. Hasan Ali, Superintendent Engineer of Bangladesh Land Port Authority.
S M Lablur Rahman stated that the import-export process can often be very time-consuming due to a lack of coordination between government agencies and the private sector. He noted that once the operation of the third terminal at Shahjalal International Airport begins, cargo facilities would increase by 2-3 times, along with the establishment of three additional cargo villages. He announced that a “Time-Based Measurement System” for goods would soon be implemented to expedite the clearing process at airports.
Joining the discussion virtually, Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Commodore M Fazlur Rahman highlighted that container congestion and other challenges at Chittagong port are often caused by poor coordination among organizations. He stressed the need for increased automation and upskilling of those involved in port operations.
Md. Kamal Hossain, Deputy Secretary of Mongla Port Authority, indicated that although Mongla port has the necessary infrastructure, the number of ships using it remains low. He encouraged the private sector to utilize Mongla Port more actively, mentioning that last year, 1.08 million metric tons of products and 32,000 containers were cleared through the port.
Dr. Farhana Iris, Joint Secretary (WTO Wing) of the Ministry of Commerce, emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of all concerned agencies to improve Bangladesh's standing in international trade.
Md. Hasan Ali, Superintendent Engineer of Bangladesh Land Port Authority, stated that out of the country's 24 land ports, 23 with India and one with Myanmar are involved in commercial activities. He reported that projects are ongoing to implement automation across all land ports, expected to be completed within the next two years. He also suggested that providing scanning facilities at land ports would accelerate the import-export process.
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 were among those who also spoke at the event.
DCCI Vice President Md. Junaed Ibna Ali, members of the Board of Directors, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors attended the event.
