DHAKA, Sept 22, 2020 (BSS) – Speakers at a webinar today observed that
adequate development, diverse logistics infrastructure, including ports and
multimodal sub-regional transport connectivity are important to improve
Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness and secure low-cost trade potentials with
South and South East Asian markets.
They made the observation at the webinar organised by Dhaka Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said a press release.
President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters
Association (BGMEA) Dr Rubana Huq joined the webinar as the guest of honour
while DCCI President Shams Mahmud moderated the webinar.
Rubana Huq said Bangladesh needs to have an internal index of
competitiveness and which needs to be monitored regularly.
“We need to ensure best utilization of full capacity of ports. In terms of
improvement in logistics performance, inward FDI and intra-regional trade are
also important,” she added.
Regarding better coordination in the logistic sector, she urged for
private sector’s participation as all efforts are for the wellbeing of the
country.
Shams Mahmud said logistics facilitation enhances countries’ trade
competitiveness through making on-time trading of goods and services with
lower transaction costs.
“Efficient logistics enhances countries’ competitive edge substantially
reducing cost of doing business. The efficient logistics management has a
stronger effect on trade promotion than tariff cuts. Despite remarkable
economic progress, Bangladesh lags behind competing countries in terms of
logistics infrastructure competitiveness,” he added.
Among others, SANEM Executive Director Dr Selim Raihan and Chairman of the
Policy Research Institute (PRI) Dr Zaidi Sattar also spoke on the occasion.
Selim Raihan said Bangladesh’s progress in Logistic Performance Index
(LPI) between 2007 and 2018 is not up to the expected level whereas China,
Vietnam, Thailand gained tremendous growth.
“Lower position in LPI may hurt our competitiveness. Besides, to increase
export, improvement in LPI is crucial,” he added.
He also emphasized on faster implementation of large infrastructure
projects, upgradation of railways, shipping and river connectivity on the
priority basis.