Ctg customs receives int'l bids for container scanners
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Jasim Uddin Haroon
The customs authority is procuring container scanning machines for the Chittagong port mainly to prevent false declaration on imported goods and help expedite cargo handling.
The Chittagong Customs House (CCH) opened an international tender Monday to procure four scanning machines under financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The ADB is providing US$ 10 million for the procurement of the most modern scanners under Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation Project.
Some four international companies submitted their quotations on the day. At least 19 companies had purchased documents relating to the tender, which was floated October 30.
While talking to the FE, Md Moazzem Hossain, project director of the Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation Project said that the quotations would be evaluated and sent to the Dhaka office of the ADB for its final approval.
He also said that installation of the scanning machines would boost the country's export sector as the European Union and the United States prefer scanning of the export goods before shipment.
The countries have been insisting on installation of such scanning machines after the 9/11 terrorist incident in New York for reasons of security.
"I think this will boost local export as overseas buyers are worried about the security and that will be removed after the installation of the scanning machines," he added.
He also said the false declaration on imported goods and their quality will be detected through the machines. It will also expedite handing of import cargo, he said.
Project sources said the successful bidder will deliver the most sophisticated scanners within 16 weeks of issuance of the work order. The company will install, commission, operate and maintain the machines.
Two machines will be placed at the main port gates and two on mobile vans so that no container escapes without being scanned.
The customs authority is procuring container scanning machines for the Chittagong port mainly to prevent false declaration on imported goods and help expedite cargo handling.
The Chittagong Customs House (CCH) opened an international tender Monday to procure four scanning machines under financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The ADB is providing US$ 10 million for the procurement of the most modern scanners under Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation Project.
Some four international companies submitted their quotations on the day. At least 19 companies had purchased documents relating to the tender, which was floated October 30.
While talking to the FE, Md Moazzem Hossain, project director of the Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation Project said that the quotations would be evaluated and sent to the Dhaka office of the ADB for its final approval.
He also said that installation of the scanning machines would boost the country's export sector as the European Union and the United States prefer scanning of the export goods before shipment.
The countries have been insisting on installation of such scanning machines after the 9/11 terrorist incident in New York for reasons of security.
"I think this will boost local export as overseas buyers are worried about the security and that will be removed after the installation of the scanning machines," he added.
He also said the false declaration on imported goods and their quality will be detected through the machines. It will also expedite handing of import cargo, he said.
Project sources said the successful bidder will deliver the most sophisticated scanners within 16 weeks of issuance of the work order. The company will install, commission, operate and maintain the machines.
Two machines will be placed at the main port gates and two on mobile vans so that no container escapes without being scanned.