The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) seeks a ‘National Logistics Policy’ as better logistics can increase trade volume, diversify export, bring foreign direct investment, and boost economic growth.
Lack of a National Logistics Policy led to uncoordinated logistics sub-sectoral growth, AmCham leaders said at a policy dialogue on Wednesday. “Logistics sector in Bangladesh is not yet formally recognised by the government which means the sector does not enjoy benefits or incentives like recognised sectors.” At present nine ministries and 21 government agencies are involved in setting up policies, regulations, planning, operating infrastructure, and providing services in the logistics arena.
“Poor intermodal interconnectivity and capacity constraints of ports need to be addressed in coordination with the public and private sector. The complexity of these challenges requires a multi-faceted policy response since the next phase could be much more challenging,” AmCham said in a statement.
“It is crucial that the government, private sector, and concerned stakeholders in Bangladesh all step up and work together to adapt as best we can,” said Syed Ershad Ahmed, President – AmCham, while presiding over the programme titled “Logistics Sector of Bangladesh - Opportunities & Concerns”.
“We at AmCham Bangladesh with a diverse membership base and outlook focusing on the global, national or business ecosystem at large, attempt to develop an approach that might help the business & regulatory leadership set the priorities on right strategies making rapid and inevitable remedies.”
Dr. Md. Mamun Habib, FCILT, SMIEEE, Professor, Independent University, Bangladesh; Visiting Scientist, University of Texas - Arlington, USA shared the Keynote presentation.
Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange of Bangladesh moderated the discussion where Kabir Ahmed, President, Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) and Naquib Khan, President of Bangladesh Supply Chain Management Society (BSCMS) participated as the designated discussant.
“Since Bangladesh economy is in growing status, our growth story has been fueled by the emergence and nurturing of an export-oriented textile and ready-made garments industry,” said an AmCham statement.
“National Strategies like 8th Five Year Plan and Perspective Plan of Bangladesh 2041 are envisioning an export-led growth strategy, where a dynamic logistics sector is critical. Logistics improvement will lead to enhanced competitiveness of Bangladeshi products.
“Better logistics can increase trade volume, diversify exports, bring foreign direct investment, and boost economic growth.
“Improved logistics will help to reduce pervasive congestion and delays in the logistics system be it roads, seaports or land ports.”
AmCham members including the Executive Committee Members, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, media representatives and other distinguished guests attended the programme.
Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President – AmCham and Country Manager, Mastercard – Bangladesh coordinated the event and offered the vote of thanks.
In 1988, it started to operate as American Bangladesh Economic Forum (ABEF) and in 1996 established formally as The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) with an objective to promote the economic relationships between Bangladesh and the United States of America. AmCham Bangladesh has also been accredited as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.