Reports of the new cargo vehicle terminal at Benapole port, constructed with a budget of Tk329 crore, becoming operational next month is certainly welcome news, bringing hope that it will help with the longstanding issue of congestion at this port.
Spanning 24 acres and with the capacity to accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 trucks at a time, the terminal will support the daily import of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 tons of goods from India.
Logistical challenges have been one of Bangladesh’s most pressing issues with regard to its trade, both imports and exports, and such a terminal should go a long way to at least help with import facilitation with India.
With such a terminal expected to significantly boost both the port's capacity and revenue, we can expect the authorities concerned to look at the benefits such an initiative is bringing, and then identify other potential areas where we can help our business logistics become more efficient.
Time and again, potential investors have identified our logistical challenges as among the detractors that dissuade them from investing in the country. In the past, we have had regimes who have simply not paid attention to such issues, only paying lip service to creating a favourable investment climate but doing little to actually foster one.
With the new interim government looking to bring about significant changes, this is an area that should not be overlooked. Logistical hurdles have quite literally held back our business climate, while racking up costs. It is time we have more initiatives that smoothen our logistics.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
