DHAKA, Oct 15, 2024 (BSS) - Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Ashraf Ahmed today called for automation in port operations, increasing logistics facilities and reducing gap regarding coordination among related organizations.

“Automation in port operations, increasing logistics facilities, improving coordination of related government agencies, improving balance of payment conditions, increasing foreign reserves and rationally reducing the interest rate of bank loans are very important,” he said.

Ashraf Ahmed said this at a discussion on “Easing the Business System: An International Trade Perspective” held at DCCI in the city, said a press release.

While presenting the keynote paper, Ashraf Ahmed said that in recent times, Bangladesh’s 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. 

He mentioned that Bangladesh’s 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. 

Ashraf Ahmed also mentioned that the government is setting an export target of 57.5 billion for the fiscal year 2025. 

“To achieve this target, the government needs to ensure automation and modern facilities in all ports in order to increase the overall export. 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 added. 

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) of Chittagong Port Authority Commodore M Fazlur Rahman, Deputy Secretary (Director, Traffic) of Mongla Port Authority Md. 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.