FBCCI seeks efficient ports to boost business

FT ONLINE

The country’s apex chamber has emphasised on upgrading efficiency of Chittagong and other seaports to facilitate overall business.

It also sought to make load-unloading faster while increasing the number of gantry cranes and other equipments to keep pace with the country’s fast-growing development activities.

The associations relating to ports and shipping need to be engaged in the procedure of ‘one-stop service’, observed the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

The observation was made Saturday at a meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping (Maritime Port) at its board room, according to a statement.

Addressing the meet, participants said the cost of doing business is increasing due to inefficiency and lack of proper seaport services, which affect the national economy.

Mongla and Payra ports will be more functional, they viewed, when the much-awaited Padma Bridge turns fully operational.

The committee members said they will work on it and formulate recommendations for the seaports’ further vibrancy.

It will also form sub-committees to expedite the business activities relating to the ports, they noted.

Dr Md Pervez Shazzad Akter, chairman of the FBCCI committee, presided over the meeting while Mahbubul Alam, director-in-charge of the committee and former vice president of the apex chamber, was also present.

Co-Chairmen and the members of the committee also took part along with FBCCI Director Hafez Harun in the discussion.