Chittagong ports Customs to open on Saturdays

Garment exporters have demanded that the government keep Chittagong Customs House open on Saturdays to expedite unloading of imported accessories at the port, the Bangladesh Financial Express reported.

The exporters have urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to consider keeping the port open for the time being on the government holiday Saturday to maintain smooth export of readymade garments (RMG).

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) earlier in the week placed the request to the NBR for its consideration.

A delay in unloading LCL containers has occurred after the government suspended the activities of operators at 12 berths. Chiitagong Port Authority (CPA) is now conducting cargo handling under its own management.

"We have demanded the opportunity until new recruitment of berth operators in order to expedite cargo handling," said BGMEA president Abdus Salam Murshedy.

The exporters have requested the NBR to keep the customs house open on Saturday, a government holiday, until final selection of berth operators, he said.

"Tender for selection of berth operators has been floated already. I hope it will take one or two weeks to select the berth operators," he added.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)