AmCham holds discussion on Draft National Logistics Policy

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) organised a discussion on ‘Draft National Logistics Policy’ on Tuesday at the Westin Dhaka.

Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of AmCham, chaired the session, according to a media release.

Kabir Ahmed, President, BAFFA, Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, President, FCILT and Naquib Khan, Supply Chain Director, Nestle, John Fay, Commercial Counselor, US Embassy, Dhaka, participated as discussants.

AmCham conducts periodic dialogue to understand the local market, advocate for favourable policies, serve member businesses, provide business insights, foster partnerships, and support economic development in Bangladesh, the release says. 

The National Logistics Policy is a comprehensive framework established by the government to optimise and streamline logistics operations across various sectors.

This policy aims to enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and competitiveness of the logistics industry by promoting best practices, infrastructure development, technology adoption, and skill enhancement among stakeholders.

Through collaboration with industry players, policymakers, and regulatory bodies, this policy sets a roadmap for transforming Bangladesh into a global logistics hub while ensuring sustainability and compliance with international standards, according to the release.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M Masrur Reaz emphasised the key points of the draft policy, expressing gratitude to the Bangladesh government and all contributors involved.

The participants unanimously praised the policy's robust framework and comprehensive approach, with only a few minor areas for potential refinement.

Proper coordination among the regulatory bodies, effective collaboration between the government and private sectors for better performance, the development of user-friendly policies for faster customs clearance, proper risk management in the entire supply chain, the necessity of having skilled human resources in the logistics sector, and the importance of having a national logistics index were some of the issues discussed.

AmCham members from the logistics sector, presidents of different supply chain institutes and associations, industry experts, and leading researchers joined the discussion, the release adds.