Fast track modernisation of Ctg Port thru' private sector stressed

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FE Report
Speakers at a workshop Tuesday asked the government for ensuring a level playing field for both the local port operators and foreign investors for the operation of the country's largest New Mooring container Terminal (NCT).
They also underscored the need for fast track modernisation of Chittagong port through private sector participation for raising its efficiency.
The speakers were addressing at the day-long workshop held at a city hotel on improving port efficiency: sharing international experience of private container terminal operation.
The programme was organised by the World Bank (WB) and Ministry of Shipping (MoS) in collaboration with Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
Shipping adviser MA Matin attended the function as chief guest while shipping secretary Sheikh Enayetullah and WB acting country director Mohamed A Toure were present as special guests.
CPA chairman Commodore M Farooque delivered the welcome address at the workshop.
MA Matin said the CPA has adopted a plan to manage and operate its newly built NCT by engaging private investor cum operator on SOT (supply, operate and transfer) basis.
He also said a reputed international terminal operator will be appointed through bidding for operating and managing the container terminal.
The shipping adviser said participation of private sector in port management aims at improvement in efficiency and productivity, and generate maximum revenues and reduce investment.
He also said the CPA will play a role of "landlord" while private parties will manage and operate the port.
Matin said changes in the Chittagong port management made since February 2007 has yielded benefits. The ships' turnaround time has been reduced to 3.5 days from 11 days, he added.
WB country director said to improve the public sector operators' efficiency through the introduction of more competition from the private sector operators, it is important to finalise the SOT concession for the NCT and hand over its operation and management activities to the private sector shortly.
He said: "The modernisation of the Chittagong port is critical for the Bangladesh's economy. This will require well coordinated efforts of the government, port management, labour and donor partners."
He also said a better port service is the basis for a growing market share, which is in Bangladesh's best interest.
Former general manager of Klang Port Authority in Malaysia presented a keynote paper on the commercialisation of port services -- transition to the private sector.
He claimed the privatisation of the Port Klang Container Terminal in Malaysia has achieved the desired results as spelled out in the master plan in terms of improving economic efficiencies, facilitating growth, relieving the financial and administrative burden of the government, raising the revenues for the government and promoting the diversity of shareholding.
The WB's lead port specialist C Bert Kruk presented a keynote paper on the port reforms tools.
Kruk said: "Possible concession partners might be shipping lines, stevedoring agencies, importers and exporters, inland transport companies and financial-based companies."
"Better and more efficient port management, avoidance of the drawbacks associated with monopolies through the inclusion of detailed concession conditions might be achieved," he added.
Asian Development Bank also made a presentation on Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation Project.
Besides, Chief Executive Director Ahsan Aziz Shelly of Esack Brothers Industries Limited, PIL country director Captain Mohammed Rafique, Chittagong Container Terminal operator Tarafder Md Ruhul Amin, Berth operator and Chairman of Fazlisons at Chittagong port Ekram Hossain Chowdhury, president of Chittagong unit Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Akter Hossain and others also addressed in the workshop.