Dhaka: Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, has emphasized the need for Bangladesh to focus on capacity building, policy consistency, and global collaboration, especially given that over half of the country’s population is under 27 and actively seeking employment. He asserted that these priorities would ensure green port development aligns with carbon goals while positioning Bangladesh to be trade-ready by 2030.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CPA Chairman made these remarks at a breakfast meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), held at a hotel in the capital. Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and Philip Grove, Director of Business Development at Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC, were the guest speakers at the event, which was supported by UPS Bangladesh.
Rear Admiral Moniruzzaman highlighted the rapid modernization of Bangladesh’s ports, noting that Chittagong alone handles over 96% of the country’s trade and 98% of its containers. To address overdependence, he mentioned that a JICA-backed national port policy is expected by the year’s end, coupled with digital upgrades such as e-gates, real-time tracking, and a unique application. Additionally, strategic projects and partnerships with global operators like TSC, B2W, Maersk, and MSC are in progress.
Philip Grove expressed gratitude to AmCham Bangladesh, the U.S. Embassy, and partners for hosting the event. Reflecting on his 16-year engagement with Bangladesh, he underscored the growing trade partnership between the U.S. and Bangladesh and stressed the importance of visibility in logistics, cargo tracking, logistics cost, and real-time data. He advocated for the adoption of modern, cloud-based, and AI-driven technologies to enhance logistics efficiency and expressed interest in connecting Bangladeshi stakeholders with U.S. solution providers.
Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of AmCham Bangladesh, in his opening remarks, highlighted the logistics sector’s significance, employing around 7 million people and contributing approximately 20% to the GDP. Despite its size, the sector remains underdeveloped, requiring better coordination. He pointed out Bangladesh’s low global rankings, with average scores in customs clearance and infrastructure. Ershad called for the implementation of a logistics policy drafted in 2024, emphasizing the need for stakeholder alignment, logistics strategy, and policy to improve competitiveness.
Following Philip Grove’s remarks, stakeholders engaged in a focused dialogue, moderated by AmCham Executive Director Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh. The discussion revolved around enhancing U.S. export potentials through improved port and logistics management, expanding investment opportunities, strengthening the business climate for existing U.S. investors, and addressing key challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s port and logistics landscape.
Notable participants included Captain Sohail Hasan, Managing Director and CEO of Western Marine Shipyard; Engr. Harun-Ur-Rashid, CEO and Country Head of Mediterranean Shipping Company Bangladesh Ltd.; Yasser Rizvi, Additional Managing Director of Summit Alliance Port Limited and representative of BICDA; Kabir Ahmed, Chairman and CEO of Conveyor Logistics Ltd.; Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association; Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President of CILT Bangladesh and Maritime Law Expert; and Syed Mohammad Tarique, Head of Customer Relations, RSGT Bangladesh and international port operator. These experts shared valuable insights and suggestions to drive progress in the sector.