Cut charges, include shippers in stimulus

The Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA) urged the government on Sunday to reduce some tariffs and charges to offset their loss amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

The BCSA noted that the shippers need to be included in the government-announced stimulus package, as they are also bleeding during the crisis period.

The association said these in a letter, signed by its general secretary Captain A S Chowdhury, to the Ministry of Shipping (MoS) on the day.

The BCSA opined that there is need for reducing the existing port dues, pilotage fees, berthing/un-berthing and gantry crane charges, loading/discharging charges, and port storage charges to survive amid the critical situation.

"We need extra free time, as many consignees are not taking their goods, sensing low demand in the market amid the Covid-19 crisis," the letter added.

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