Businesses for Pangaon ICT under pvt management

Business leaders want Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (PICT) should operate under private management with an aim to reduce cargo transportation time and freight costs, maintain enough river draught and ensure insurance coverage.
While talking to the FE, experts in logistics business said the government's feasibility study on building PICT was right but the terminal is yet to function due to lack of proper marketing and unavailability of required facilities.
Senior vice president of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), Amirul Islam Chowdhury (Mizan), said private management on a lease basis may make the terminal popular among main line operators (MLOs) and exporting and importing companies.
He said the government has not yet ensured insurance coverage for the cargoes that would leave the Chittagong port. As a result the MLOs and buyers do not feel secure in PICT.
It is certain that under the government's management there would be speed money hassle in goods' clearance.
Former president of FICCI (Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry) Syed Ershad Ahmed said as the country's main trade backbone - the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway -- is overburdened now, the PICT could play a vital role in lessening pressure on the highway.
He said the aim in building ICT was positive but the government should study about it now as to how the terminal could be operational.
He said the government is yet to explain its facilities and safety matters to business people and other local and international logistics companies.
Mr Ahmed, also managing director of the US-based logistics company Expeditors (Bangladesh) Limited, said it would be wise for the government to let the Pangaon ICT operate under private management.
He said as two other river port terminals are to be constructed under private investment, it would also be more tough for the government to be competitive with private parties.
The former FICCI president who is an expert in logistics business said tariff and other charges in the PICT should be rational and sufficient promotional activities must be made with forwarders and MLOs.
Joint secretary of the ministry of shipping, Nasir Arif Mahmood, said as the government has already invested money in the PICT, there is no chance now to go for public-private partnership (PPP).
He said usually in a project under PPP the private party invests money but in this case government investments have already been made.
The official said the CPA is currently in charge of its operation and they are trying their best to woo entrepreneurs and MLOs and local exporters and importers.
Now it is up to the CPA whether they can manage the port themselves for functioning or go for private party operation.
  

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