Exporters seek 10-day free time at Ctg Port

Our Correspondent

CHITTAGONG, June 22: Exporters have sought 10-day free time after common landing of import cargo at the country's premier maritime port or exempt enhanced port rent on the import cargo to facilitate local export.

The exporters said delivery of import cargo is often hampered by political programmes like hartal and two-day public vacation for which they have to suffer because of enhanced import cost due to hike in port rent.

The free-time demand was made through a letter to Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan today by Chittagong Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CMCCI).

In the letter vice president of the CMCCI AM Mahbub Chowdhury said delivery of raw materials imported for industries including the readymade garment sector is delayed due to frequent hartal calls added by two weekly holidays.

"Pakistan as one of our competitors in the business has given 10-day free time after common landing at the Karachi Port to facilitate export market," he said in the letter to the minister.

"Generally we get five days for delivery of raw materials in a week. But it increases to four days when the political parties call hartals or general shut downs on Sundays and Mondays," he said.

On the other hand, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has increased charges by 300 per cent on containers, which has already increased the import cost, he added.

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