The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) and industry leaders on Monday stressed the urgent need for logistics reform in Bangladesh at a breakfast meeting titled “Port & Logistics Management.”
Despite employing around 7 million people and contributing 20% to GDP, the sector continues to face inefficiencies, ranking poorly in global indices, particularly in customs clearance and infrastructure.
“The logistics policy drafted in 2024 is yet to be implemented. We need to align all stakeholders and create a logistics strategy that improves competitiveness and unlocks the sector’s full potential,” AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed said.
He added that the sector’s potential remains underutilized due to its underdevelopment and lack of coordination.
Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid port modernization. He revealed that Chittagong handles over 96% of the country’s trade and 98% of containers.
“We are working to reduce overdependence on a single port. A JICA-backed national port policy is expected by year-end, along with digital upgrades like e-gates and real-time tracking systems,” Moniruzzaman said.
Partnerships with global operators, such as Maersk and MSC, are underway, he added.
Moniruzzaman also emphasized the need for a skilled workforce. “With over half the population under 27 and actively seeking employment, we must prioritize capacity building, policy consistency, and international collaboration,” he stated.
Also, green port development should meet carbon goals and position Bangladesh to be trade-ready by 2030, he opined.
Ellicott Dredge Enterprises Director of Business Development Philip Grove emphasized the importance of real-time visibility in logistics, cargo tracking, and logistics costs for improving efficiency.
Reflecting on his 16 years of engagement with Bangladesh, he pointed to the need for modern, cloud-based, and AI-driven technologies to enhance logistics performance, with US firms offering significant value.
A focused dialogue moderated by AmCham Executive Director Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh followed, where industry stakeholders discussed expanding US export potential, investment opportunities, and addressing logistics challenges.
Western Marine Shipyard Managing Director & CEO Captain Sohail Hasan, Mediterranean Shipping Company CEO & Country Head Engineer Harun-Ur-Rashid, and Summit Alliance Port Limited Additional Managing Director Yasser Rizvi shared their insights on driving progress in the sector.
The event concluded with a call for policy alignment, modernized infrastructure, and collaboration between government and private sectors to improve logistics, ensuring global competitiveness and long-term growth for Bangladesh.
