Apparel manufacturers on Tuesday reiterated their demand for allowing release of imported goods from the Chattogram Port instead of private inland container depots (ICDs) to reduce time and cost.
They also urged the authorities concerned to simplify the procedures for faster release of the goods.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) put forward the demands at two separate meetings with Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and Chattogram Customs House, according to statements issued on the meetings.
Earlier, the trade body had also written to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the CPA, urging them to allow goods delivery from the port.
During the meeting with CPA Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said that it takes around six to seven days at present to take delivery of imported consignments from the private ICDs as compared to only two days from the port.
The delays also increase the cost of releasing goods, he noted.
Moreover, the private ICD operators were charging higher fees and taking more time than the Chittagong Port for releasing the goods, he said.
He added that the delays and additional charges were affecting the apparel industry at a time when the sector was struggling to turn around from the shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Expressing hope about the potential rise in exports in the coming months, Mr Hassan urged the CPA to take required steps to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the port so that they can smoothly handle the increased activities.
Speaking at the meeting, BGMEA first vice president Syed Nazrul Islam urged the CPA to make export-import activities quicker and timely to help retain the competitiveness of the apparel industry in the global market during this difficult time of pandemic.
The CPA is carrying out export-import activities quickly and efficiently despite having different limitations, the statement quoted CPA chairman Shahjahan as saying.
He also presented CPA's plans and initiatives for infrastructure development and increasing efficiency of the port.
The meeting with the CPA was a part of BGMEA's continuous efforts to keep the flow of export-import shipments smooth and timely.
Earlier, BGMEA held several meetings with the stakeholders including main-line operators (MLOs) and buyers' representatives in this regard.
After the meeting, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan along with the CPA Chairman, the BGMEA leaders and other high officials visited Chattogram port to see its operations.
BGMEA vice president Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, directors Tanvir Ahmed, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Navidul Huq, Rajiv Chowdhury, Md Imranur Rahman, Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Mohammed Abdus Salam, Tanvir Habib, A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), Md. Hassan (Jacky), M. Ahsanul Hoq, Mohammed Meraj-E-Mostafa (Kaisar) among others were present at the meeting.
CPA members Md Zafar Alam, Md Mostafizur Rahman, secretary Omar Faruk, director Enamul Karim and terminal manager Md. Kudrat-e-Khuda were also present at the meeting.
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