Written by The Banking Post
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) has called for urgent reforms in the country’s port and logistics sector to improve efficiency, attract U.S. investment, and strengthen trade ties.
Speaking at an AmCham Breakfast Meeting in Dhaka on Monday, President Syed Ershad Ahmed said the logistics sector employs about seven million people and contributes nearly 20 percent to GDP, yet remains fragmented and underdeveloped. “Although a logistics policy was drafted in 2024, its implementation has yet to begin. A comprehensive strategy supported by all stakeholders is vital to unlock the sector’s full potential and enhance competitiveness,” he noted.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and international stakeholders joined the discussion, which focused on bottlenecks in customs clearance, infrastructure gaps, and the need for technology-driven solutions.
Philip Grove, Director of Business Development at Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, stressed the importance of real-time data and digital tools to cut costs and streamline cargo tracking, highlighting opportunities for U.S.-Bangladesh collaboration in logistics technology.
Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, pointed to Bangladesh’s modernization drive, noting that Chittagong Port handles more than 96 percent of the country’s trade and 98 percent of container traffic. He said a JICA-backed national port policy is set to be finalized by year-end to diversify capacity beyond Chittagong.
He added that digital solutions like e-gates and real-time tracking are being introduced in partnership with global operators such as Maersk, MSC, and B2W. “With more than half the population under 27 years of age, there is a pressing need to invest in capacity building, ensure policy consistency, and align with global standards,” he said.
Moniruzzaman also underscored the importance of developing green ports to meet carbon reduction targets and position Bangladesh as a trade-ready hub by 2030.
The session, supported by UPS Bangladesh, featured insights from leading logistics and shipping companies including Western Marine Shipyard, MSC Bangladesh, Summit Alliance Port, Conveyor Logistics, and the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association.
AmCham officials said the meeting marked a step forward in building collaboration between U.S. and Bangladeshi stakeholders to strengthen logistics infrastructure, improve competitiveness, and support sustainable growth.
