Apparel-sector leaders on Sunday urged the government for enhancing capacity and efficiency of the Chattogram Port to help the industry make timely shipments and meet the future growing demand of sea-borne trade.
"It's really encouraging that RMG exports of Bangladesh are increasing. We expect the business will continue to grow in the coming days, as compliance, production quality and strength of Bangladesh to supply products have gained trust among global buyers," Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Presi-dent Faruque Hassan said.
"Timely shipment of products is very important in order to maintain the growth, which necessitates enhancing the port's capacity and efficiency," he added.
The BGMEA president said these at a meeting with Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral M Shahjahan in the port-city on Sunday, according to a statement.
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh Enrico Nunziata, BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, and vice presidents Shahidullah Azim, Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Md Nasir Uddin and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, and directors Abdullah Hil Rakib, A M Shafiul Karim (Khokon), Md. Hassan (Jacky) and M Ahsanul Hoq, among others, were also present at the meeting.
The BGMEA president also underscored the need for enhancing capacity and efficiency of the Chattogram Port in line with the growing business of Bangladesh to meet the future demand of sea-borne trade.
Improving capacity of the principal sea-port would support maintaining Bangladesh's sustainable economic growth by ensuring access to international markets.
The economy of Bangladesh is growing steadily, so is the volume of its export-import trade. In such a context, it is imperative to increase the capacity of the main sea-port to handle the increased trade flow, Mr Hassan noted.
It is also important to make export-import activities quicker and smoother to retain the competitiveness of Bangladesh's apparel industry in the global market, he added.
The BGMEA leaders thanked the government for taking all necessary steps that ensured smooth functioning of the port.
They also focused on continuing efforts for keeping capacity and efficiency of the port up to the mark.
Munni_fe@yahoo.com