BGMEA requests CPA to release consignments rapidly

Staff Correspondent:Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) requested the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to allow releasing the imported goods directly from the Chittagong Port instead of private inland container depots (ICDs) to reduce time and cost.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the call during a meeting with Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral M Shahjahan in Chittagong yesterday. Faruque Hassan said, currently it takes around six to seven days to take delivery of imported consignments from the private ICDs as compared to only two days at the port, which increases cost of releasing goods. Moreover, the private ICD operators are charging higher fees and taking more time than the Chittagong Port for releasing the goods, he said adding that additional delay and charges are impacting the apparel industry at a time when the sector is struggling to turn around from the shocks created by the Covid pandemic.