BGMEA for keeping Ctg port customs open on Saturdays
Thursday, 3 June 2010
FE Report
Garment exporters have demanded that the government keep Chittagong customs house open on Saturdays to expedite unloading of imported accessories at the port.
The exporters have urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider keeping the port open for the time being on the government holiday Saturday to maintain smooth export of readymade garments (RMG).
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Tuesday placed the request to the NBR for its consideration.
A delay in unloading LCL containers has occurred after the government suspended the activities of operators at 12 berths. Chiitagong Port Authority (CPA) is now conducting cargo handling under its own management.
"We have demanded the opportunity until new recruitment of berth operators in order to expedite cargo handling," said BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy.
The exporters have requested the NBR to keep the customs house open on Saturday, a government holiday, until final selection of berth operators, he said.
"Tender for selection of berth operators has been floated already. I hope it will take one or two weeks to select the berth operators," he added.
The BGMEA in a letter feared that exporters will miss lead time, set by the foreign buyers, due to delay in unloading of the said cargo.
Unloading of a LCL (less than container load) needs 10-12 days presently, it said.
"Export of RMG products is declining due to global recession. It will be affected further with the delay in unloading of its raw materials," the letter said
It is necessary to keep the customs house open on Saturday to seep up unloading of the raw materials with examination, it added.
The association has requested the authorities concerned to keep the jetty and the customs house open unless the situation improves.
Export earning from RMG products declined to 3.04 per cent in the first three quarters over the last corresponding period.
Garment exporters have demanded that the government keep Chittagong customs house open on Saturdays to expedite unloading of imported accessories at the port.
The exporters have urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider keeping the port open for the time being on the government holiday Saturday to maintain smooth export of readymade garments (RMG).
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Tuesday placed the request to the NBR for its consideration.
A delay in unloading LCL containers has occurred after the government suspended the activities of operators at 12 berths. Chiitagong Port Authority (CPA) is now conducting cargo handling under its own management.
"We have demanded the opportunity until new recruitment of berth operators in order to expedite cargo handling," said BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy.
The exporters have requested the NBR to keep the customs house open on Saturday, a government holiday, until final selection of berth operators, he said.
"Tender for selection of berth operators has been floated already. I hope it will take one or two weeks to select the berth operators," he added.
The BGMEA in a letter feared that exporters will miss lead time, set by the foreign buyers, due to delay in unloading of the said cargo.
Unloading of a LCL (less than container load) needs 10-12 days presently, it said.
"Export of RMG products is declining due to global recession. It will be affected further with the delay in unloading of its raw materials," the letter said
It is necessary to keep the customs house open on Saturday to seep up unloading of the raw materials with examination, it added.
The association has requested the authorities concerned to keep the jetty and the customs house open unless the situation improves.
Export earning from RMG products declined to 3.04 per cent in the first three quarters over the last corresponding period.