Businesses, particularly exporters and those involved in the logistics industry, are calling on authorities to take decisive steps in implementing the National Logistics Policy 2025 by providing a clear roadmap for execution. This request was emphasized during a focus group discussion hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at the Westin Dhaka.
Various key stakeholders from the logistics sector, including representatives from industries such as ready-made garments, freight forwarding, inland container depots, shipping lines, airlines, and courier services, participated in the discussion. M Masrur Reaz, chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, highlighted that a mere 1 percent reduction in logistics expenses could potentially boost exports by up to 7 percent, especially as Bangladesh nears graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status.
Addressing the recent labor strike at Chattogram port, Reaz pointed out that disruptions in logistics can have a significant adverse impact on the national economy. He stressed the importance of enhancing logistics infrastructure and expanding port capacity to align with the projected gross domestic product (GDP) target of $760 billion by 2030. He also identified key implementation challenges within the National Logistics Policy, such as government monopolies in rail and air cargo, inadequate inter-ministerial coordination, and the absence of a central logistics authority.
President of AmCham Bangladesh, Syed Ershad Ahmed, noted that while the country’s logistics sector has progressed, it still falls behind regional competitors and lacks comprehensive understanding domestically. He highlighted the evolving global logistics landscape influenced by factors like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, decarbonization, geopolitical shifts, and supply chain resilience. Ahmed emphasized the urgency of bridging knowledge and capacity gaps to better serve Bangladesh’s expanding trade and investment requirements.
Nusrat Nahid Babi, a senior transport specialist for South Asia at the World Bank, underscored the need for continued momentum in Bangladesh’s logistics reforms post-2022, urging the new government to establish clear priorities and secure high-level consensus. Babi outlined a phased reform agenda focused on policy simplification, multimodal infrastructure development, capacity building, digitalization, and increased logistics investment.
Md Moinul Huq, country officer at Citibank NA Bangladesh, highlighted the immediate necessity for customs authorities to implement provisions of the Customs Act 2023 by defining electronic document submission and payment processes. Mahbubul Anam, managing director of CF Global, emphasized the significance of cost efficiency, expanded capacity, reliable courier services, and robust contingency plans to meet the growing demand for express logistics, particularly driven by e-commerce.
Representatives from the US embassy in Dhaka, including Commercial Counsellor Paul Frost and Agricultural Attaché Erin Covert, were also in attendance at the session.
