The much-anticipated inauguration ceremony of the digitalization of the Bhomra Port Management System, under the Digitalization of the Border Procedures at Bhomra Land Port (DBLP) project, was held on Saturday at the Bhomra Land Port office.
This project, funded by the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, is implemented by Swisscontact Bangladesh.
The event marks a significant milestone in advancing Bangladesh's trade facilitation infrastructure, aligning with the national vision of building a Smart Bangladesh.
State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, was the chief guest of the ceremony.
Other notable attendees included Ashrafuzzaman Ashu, Satkhira-2 MP, Laila Parvin Sejuti, MP, Macarena Torres Rossel, deputy director, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Benjamin Lang, director of global programs at Swisscontact Global, and Mujibul Hasan Cezanne, country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh.
Fazle Razik, team leader of the DBLP project, was also present with the full program team from Swisscontact.
The ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) office in Satkhira and chaired by the Chairman of BLPA, Md Zillur Rahman Chowdhury.
The Bhomra e-Port Management System aims to digitalize port procedures, enhancing efficiency, reducing delays, and promoting a seamless trade process. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA), the Ministry of Shipping, Swisscontact, and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation.
In his keynote address, State Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized the importance of trade in achieving economic growth.
New rail-road bridge to connect Chittagong Port with industrial zoneHe said: “The digitalization of Bhomra Land Port aligns with our vision to build a Smart Bangladesh, marking a significant step towards accelerating economic growth and enhancing regional commerce."
He highlighted the strategic significance of the Bhomra Land Port, particularly due to its proximity to neighbouring countries and its role in regional trade.
Macarena Torres Rossel, deputy director, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), said that the Ministry of Shipping and the BLPA share common agendas that align with the global mandates of the alliance.
She reiterated the immense impact of this project on the private sector.
She said: “The alliance is honoured to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative and to be working with the Government of Bangladesh and BLPA through the facilitation of Swisscontact Bangladesh."
Benjamin Lang, director at Swisscontact Global, emphasized Bhomra e-Port's role in enhancing trade efficiency and fostering economic growth in Bangladesh.
He underscored the project's innovation in digitalizing border procedures to spur prosperity and inclusivity, aiming to set new standards in trade facilitation.
He said: "The Digitalization of Border Procedures at Bhomra Land Port project stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and fostering inclusive growth. This event marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards a more prosperous future for Bangladesh's economy."
Mujibul Hasan, country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh, articulated his vision for the project and Swisscontact’s role in it.
He said: "This initiative not only promises enhanced efficiency and security but also sets a precedent for future advancements in land port management across the country."
He acknowledged the collaborative spirit of all partners involved, which has been crucial in bringing this project to fruition.
The digitalization of Bhomra Land Port is expected to significantly impact the private sector by fostering inclusivity, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability, and building credibility.
A live demonstration of the e-Port Management System was conducted by Abdullah Al Arafat, senior specialist - Digital System Integration, DBLP, Swisscontact, showcasing its capabilities in improving port operations.
Swisscontact is an independent organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development.
The organization is currently implementing a wide range of programs and projects in partnership with the private sector in skills, agriculture, climate resilience, environment, good governance, international trade, health, green skills and jobs, education, water and sanitation, ICT, financial services, microinsurance, ready-made garments (RMG), and light engineering.
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is a public-private partnership that supports governments in implementing the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement.
The Alliance works to make international trade simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.
