Bangladesh should formulate a national logistics policy, which will help build an integrated logistics system centring the Chattogram port, experts said today.
 

There should be a masterplan capable of fulfilling the future logistics demand in Bangladesh's ports, they said.
 

"We do not have any masterplan for the port currently," said M Masrur Reaz, chairman of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh.
 

The masterplan should be formed following the national logistics policy so that the port does not suffer from overcapacity, he said.
 

Reaz made the remarks while presenting the keynote paper at a seminar on "Efficient port logistic management and trade competitiveness of Bangladesh" organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its auditorium in the capital.
 

The chairman of Policy Exchange of Bangladesh also recommended going for investment in the logistics sector through public-private partnership (PPP).
 

"Bangladesh is far behind in logistics performance and it is ranked 100 overall in the logistic performance index while 102nd in logistics quality and competence index."
 

"If we want to develop an integrated logistics sector, we have to ensure PPP investment especially in ports," Reaz added.
 

He went on to say that Bangladesh has one of the highest logistics costs globally.
 

Modern ports can strengthen regional connectivity and global markets, inland container depots (ICDs) and industrial zones, he said.
 

The first terminal of Payra port will be opened for use soon and a terminal has already been set up under the PPP model for Mongla port, Md Mostafa Kamal, shipping secretary, said at the event as the chief guest.
 

A number of foreign companies like DP World, PSA International and Red Sea Port have shown interest to work for enhancing the capacity of Bangladesh's ports, the secretary said.
 

Bangladesh has done a tremendous job in ports but the country is still lagging behind, said Shamim Ul Huq, country director of the DP World Bangladesh, a Dubai-based multinational logistics company.
 

"To compete in the global market, we need an integrated logistics platform and coordination among the multiple agencies is very important."
 

Kabir Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, said the port should not be used as a warehouse.
 

"We are planning to increase our exports to $100 billion, but for that we need a private sector-bonded warehouse."
 

Moreover, he stressed the need for regulatory reforms and independence of private ICDs in the policy.
 

A strong infrastructure in Chattogram port will lower the cost of doing business in Bangladesh, cut lead time efficiently and investment will surge, said DCCI President Rizwan Rahman.
 

Among others, Syed Ali Jowher Rizvi, managing director of Summit Alliance Port Ltd; Md Zafar Alam, joint secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority, and Lee Peng Gee, a vice president of PSA International Private Ltd, also spoke.
 

Arman Haque, senior vice president of the DCCI, gave the concluding remarks.


Source: The Daily Star