Pvt off-dock investors allowed to handle 12 more imported goods at Ctg port

The government has allowed private off-dock investors to handle 12 more imported goods in Chittagong Port.

Currently, some 19 private off-docks are allowed to transfer, unstuff and deliver 38 imported goods while they release all of the export goods.

The long-cherished demand of the investors to allow more imported goods to release from inland container depots (ICDs) came into effect on April 8.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued an order listing the products, mostly having low tax incidences.

The products include all kinds of staple fiber, calcium carbonate, wheat bran, quick lime, polystyrene, fluting paper, calcium phosphate, asbestos, mythonine, glycerol, unwrought aluminum and cinnamon.

President of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) Nurul Qayyum hailed the decision, suggesting allowing of more imported goods in phases.

"All developed countries allow private operators to release imported and exported goods in the port as ICDs are extension of port meant to facilitate the port efficiency," he said.

Off-docks have unutilised capacity which was proven during the Covid period to keep supply chain uninterrupted, Mr Qayyum added.

Former president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Abul Kasem, who has invested in a new ICD at Chittagong port, said the ICDs' investors have passed through several scrutinies to get licences to prove its efficiency and capacity.

More import goods must be allowed on a trial basis keeping a close eye on the revenue collection, he added.

The AK Khan ICD is scheduled to start operation with empty container handling from October next.

"Investment in ICD by private sectors has helped the government to improve its logistics efficiency, ease congestion in Chittagong seaport," he said, demanding policy support from the government.

doulotakter11@gmail.com