DHAKA : Bangladesh has called for urgent action to resolve airport cargo and warehouse infrastructure constraints, with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir saying faster cargo handling is needed to cut business time and costs and improve the efficiency of international trade.
The issue is directly relevant for exporters, importers, apparel sourcing teams and retail supply chains using Bangladesh’s air cargo network, as cargo-handling capacity and warehouse shortages have been linked to delays, goods being left outside cargo villages and warehouses, and complaints of theft incidents.
Muktadir made the remarks on August 17 at a review meeting at the commerce ministry in Dhaka on raising airport cargo-handling capacity and reviewing warehouse construction progress, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU), as per local media reports.
He added that cargo handling and airport warehouses are not directly under the commerce ministry’s jurisdiction, but they are closely connected with Bangladesh’s trade and export activity.
He also said modern cargo management at airports is particularly important for expanding trade with the EU and that the commerce ministry is prepared to support efforts to resolve the problems.
Muktadir proposed an inter-ministerial co-ordination mechanism, including a commerce ministry representative if required, to accelerate cargo and warehouse-related decisions and improve coordination among relevant agencies.
He also sought quick identification of land for a temporary warehouse and said decisions on rental or other acquisition routes should be taken without delay if needed. The immediate objective should be to make the required facilities operational as quickly as possible.
He also called for rapid construction of infrastructure to address long-standing cargo-handling problems at the country’s airports.
He noted that customs is responsible for the legality of imports and exports, declarations, documentation and customs-related matters, while warehouse construction and infrastructure management are not its core duties.
Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam told the meeting that efforts are under way to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines safer, more modern and more efficient.
She said resolving long-standing technical and infrastructure-related problems quickly is now a priority, while stressing simplified procedures, swift decision-making, transparency and accountability.
The meeting discussed expanding airport cargo-handling capacity, accelerating clearance of goods and reducing obstacles to trade and business. Along with temporary measures, officials reviewed progress on a permanent warehouse.
Detailed discussions covered seven potential sites for a temporary warehouse near the airport and four potential sites for a permanent warehouse.
