Quickly ensure efficient cargo handling at airports: commerce minister

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today called for the speedy resolution of infrastructure-related problems to increase cargo-handling capacity at airports and improve the efficiency of international trade by reducing business time and costs.

The minister made the remarks at a review meeting on increasing airport cargo-handling capacity and the progress of warehouse construction, as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU).

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At the meeting, held at the commerce ministry in Dhaka, the minister also said that although issues such as cargo handling and warehouses at airports do not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the commerce ministry, they are closely linked to the country’s trade and export activities.

In particular, modern cargo management at airports is extremely important for expanding trade with the EU, the minister said, adding that the commerce ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to resolve the problems.

Very often, local exporters and importers complain that goods are left unattended outside the cargo villages and warehouses at airports because of a lack of space.

Sometimes, incidents of theft of goods at cargo villages and warehouses take place, as exporters and importers have complained about such incidents.

To expedite the efficient handling of cargo and warehouse operations, the minister proposed establishing an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism, including a representative from the commerce ministry, if necessary.

This would strengthen coordination among all relevant parties and accelerate the implementation of decisions, the minister also said.

Emphasising the need to quickly identify a location and complete the necessary arrangements for a temporary warehouse, Muktadir said that if land needs to be acquired through rental or any other means, a decision must be taken promptly.

The primary objective should be to make the necessary facilities operational as quickly as possible.

The minister also called for the rapid construction of necessary infrastructure to resolve the long-standing cargo-handling problems at the country’s airports.

The customs department is responsible for ensuring the legality of imported and exported goods, required declarations and documentation, and customs-related matters.

Construction and management of warehouses and infrastructure are not the core responsibilities of customs, Muktadir also said.

At the meeting, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam said concerted efforts are being made to transform Biman Bangladesh Airlines into a safer, more modern and efficient organisation.

She said that resolving long-standing technical and infrastructure-related problems quickly is now a priority.

She emphasised the need to simplify necessary formalities and implement decisions swiftly while ensuring transparency and accountability.

The meeting discussed increasing airport cargo-handling capacity, expediting the clearance of goods, and reducing obstacles to trade and business.

Alongside temporary solutions, progress on the construction of a permanent warehouse was also reviewed.

In this regard, detailed discussions were held on seven potential sites for constructing a temporary warehouse near the airport and four potential sites for a permanent warehouse, according to a statement from the commerce ministry.