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Dhaka, 25 June 2024: The National Logistics Policy 2024 is a pivotal step for Bangladesh to enhance its position in the global market and spur economic development. It’s aligned with our ambition to become a ‘High-Income Country’ and evolve into ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041. The policy aims to lower business costs, boost exports, and integrate into the Global Value Chain (GVC), which are essential for building a ‘Smart Bangladesh’. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, highlighted these objectives at a seminar hosted by the Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The event, titled “National Logistics Policy 2024 of Bangladesh: From Policy Framework to Execution,” took place on Tuesday, 25th June 2024, at The Westin Dhaka.

The seminar brought together dignitaries from the government, industry, and academia to discuss the actions from the policy framework to execution regarding recently formulated National Logistics Policy 2024 to achieve sustainable economic growth and expand both local and global trade and investment by building a top-notch logistics network. This system will be modern, quick, cost-effective, and kind to the environment. 

Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, OSP, NUP, PPM, psc attended the seminar as the special guest. He said, “Bangladesh has given the green light to its first-ever National Logistics Policy. By putting this policy into action effectively, we aim to develop a top-tier, up-to-date, and high-performing logistics network. This will assist us in achieving our economic targets. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Mia for his exemplary guidance and leadership.”

Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, joined the seminar as the special guest. He praised the initiative of formulating first-ever National Logistics Policy of the country. He emphasized the policy’s role in building a leading logistics network to meet economic goals and thanked Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Mia for his outstanding leadership in this process. 

While sharing the Key-note presentation Former President of MCCI Barrister Nihad Kabir highlighted the National Logistics Policy 2024 as a catalyst for private investment in vital areas like ports and railways. He noted that the policy will attract capital, create jobs, and demand new skills, reflecting a joint effort by the private and public sectors. The policy is expected to enhance logistics, increase competitiveness, and boost productivity.

The FICCI President Zaved Akhtar expressed gratitude to the government for originating the National Logistics Policy. He emphasized that the new monitoring mechanisms and councils will ensure the policy’s success. He expected that the establishment of the National Logistics Development Council and the National Logistics Development and Coordination Committee (NLDCC) will provide essential guidance and coordination, ensuring that our logistics policy is implemented effectively and efficiently.

He also highlighted the 2025-2035 decade as a key period for infrastructure development. This period will be marked by the roll-out of a Reform Plan to overcome sector challenges, the development of a skilled workforce, and the creation of an investment-friendly environment to attract both local and foreign investments.

“These measures, along with the Performance Monitoring and Regular Engagement with the Private Sector, are crucial for ensuring that our logistics sector not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both the national and international business community. We are on the edge of a new era of efficiency and competitiveness, and I am confident that these recommendations will lead us to success,” he added.  

The seminar was moderated by Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and Founder, Policy Exchange Bangladesh. Syed Ershad Ahmed, Country Manager & Managing Director, Expeditors (Bangladesh) Ltd. and President of AmCham and Former President of FICCI; Abul Kasem Khan, Vice Chairman, AK Khan & Co. Ltd and, Former President of DCCI; Shahida Sultana, Director General (Executive Cell), PMO and Member Secretary of National Logistics Development and Coordination Committee and Nikhil D'Lima, Managing Director of Maersk Bangladesh participated the seminar as the panel speakers. 

Among other dignitaries a good number of representatives of stakeholders, High officials of FICCI member companies, FICCI Board of Directors and Advisors attended the seminar.

About FICCI

Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) the apex chamber of multinational companies has been working as the development frontier of Bangladesh by creating significant footprints in economic growth since its journey started in 1963. As a leading chamber, FICCI represents Foreign Investors from Thirty-five (35) countries across the globe in Twenty-one (21) sectors in Bangladesh. In its six decades of excellent journey, around 210 member companies of this chamber are contributing around 30% internal revenue of the government and representing more than 90% inward FDI in Bangladesh. FICCI’s member companies are aligned with the government’s goal and contributing more for the community and society which eventually support the country to attain the status of “Smart Bangladesh.” 

For further information 

T.I.M Nurul Kabir

Executive Director 

Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Mobile No: +880 1711-563977, TnT No: +8802222271610, +8802222271611 

Email: info@ficci.org.bd, Website: www.ficci.org.bd

Subarna Mostafa

Specialist, Communication, PR & Stakeholder Management

Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Mobile +880 1728 045819

Email: subarna.mostafa@ficci.org.bd