Port, logistics upgrade urgent to boost US-BD trade

Comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh's port and logistics sector are urgent to enhance trade efficiency and woo greater US investment, suggests the American trade chamber in Bangladesh.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) call came from a meet in Dhaka on Monday -- at a time when the two countries are set to strike comprehensive trade and tariff deals.

The AmCham Breakfast Meeting, fronting the banner 'Port & Logistics Management', held at The Westin Dhaka and supported by UPS Bangladesh, brought together industry leaders, policymakers and international stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), and Philip Grove, Director of Business Development at Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC, attended the function as guest speakers.

AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed, in his opening remarks, reminded that the logistics sector employs about 7.0 million people and contributes nearly 20 per cent to Bangladesh's GDP. Despite its importance, the sector remains underdeveloped and fragmented, with Bangladesh ranking low on global indices on account of customs clearance and infrastructure.

"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 said.

Mr. Philip Grove, reflecting on his 16 years of engagement with Bangladesh, stressed real-time data, visibility in logistics, and modern technology-driven solutions to streamline cargo tracking and reduce trade costs.

He also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Bangladeshi stakeholders and US-based solution providers.

The session included a moderated dialogue led by Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director of AmCham Bangladesh.

Discussions focused on improving US export potential, creating a more attractive environment for investment, and tackling systemic challenges in Bangladesh's logistics ecosystem.

Prominent sector leaders shared their perspectives. Among them were Captain Sohail Hasan, Managing Director and CEO, Western Marine Shipyard, Engr. Harun-Ur-Rashid, CEO and Country Head, Mediterranean Shipping Company Bangladesh Ltd, Yasser Rizvi, Additional Managing Director, Summit Alliance Port Limited and BICDA representative, Kabir Ahmed, Chairman and CEO, Conveyor Logistics Ltd, Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman, Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association, Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President, CILT Bangladesh, and Syed Mohammad Tarique, Head of Customer Relations, RSGT Bangladesh.

Rear Admiral Moniruzzaman highlighted Bangladesh's rapid progress in modernizing its ports. Currently, Chittagong Port handles over 96 per cent of the country's trade and 98 per cent of container traffic.

"To reduce dependency on a single port, the government is working on a JICA-backed national port policy, set to be finalized by year-end," the prime port's chief operator told the audience.

He said the modernization drive includes digital solutions such as e-gates and real-time cargo tracking, along with partnerships with global operators like TSC, B2W, Maersk, and MSC.

"With more than half of 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 added.

The CPA chairman also stressed the importance of green port development to meet carbon-reduction targets while positioning Bangladesh as a trade-ready hub by 2030.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Al-Mamun M Rashel, Treasurer of AmCham Bangladesh.

The meeting marked a significant step toward fostering collaboration between US and Bangladeshi stakeholders to strengthen logistics infrastructure, boost trade competitiveness, and support sustainable economic growth.

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