Cutting logistics costs by 25 per cent could increase Bangladesh’s exports by 20 per cent, experts emphasised at a roundtable organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Saturday.
The event “Integrated Port and Logistics Development for a Trade-Driven Bangladesh,” highlighted the crucial role that an efficient logistics system plays in boosting exports and enhancing global competitiveness.
Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Chairman and CEO M Masrur Reaz, in his keynote speech, stressed the need for improved infrastructure, policies, and trade capacity to support the diversification of exports and long-term growth.
“Reducing logistics costs by 25 per cent could boost exports by 20 per cent,” he said, urging Bangladesh to act swiftly in implementing the changes needed.
DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury opened the discussion by addressing critical logistics challenges, including slow cargo clearance at ports, outdated transportation infrastructure, and inefficient cold-chain logistics.
He pointed out that these inefficiencies are pushing up costs and hampering Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global markets.
Chowdhury called for the introduction of paperless, automated systems at ports, along with infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships, and increased investment in modern cold-chain logistics to reduce costs and attract local and foreign investments.
Md Salim Ullah, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Management, echoed these concerns, noting that the inefficiency in logistics management continues to inflate business costs.
He called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to tackle these issues effectively.
Chittagong Port Authority Additional Secretary Md Habibur Rahman proposed rail connectivity as a long-term solution to transportation bottlenecks.
He highlighted the limited capacity to expand the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and suggested involving the private sector in port operations to foster competition and reduce tariffs.
Experts such as Md Shamsul Hoque from BUET and Nusrat Nahid Babi from the World Bank emphasised the importance of integrated communication infrastructure and the modernisation of customs procedures to speed up cargo clearance and reduce delays.
The roundtable concluded with an open discussion where all participants unanimously agreed on the urgency of logistics reforms to reduce costs, improve trade efficiency, and significantly boost Bangladesh’s export potential.
