Govt recognises logistics as a crucial sector, says Salman F Rahman

Prime Minister’s Private Industries and Investment Advisor Salman F Rahman has said the government recognised logistics as a crucial sector and in these difficult times of major global disruption, they remain committed to be an integral part of the worldwide supply chain.

He also said the government is involved in a process of formulating a ‘National Logistics Policy’, which will aid investment and cater to the need of the economy in the long run.

While appreciating the white paper on ‘FDI in Logistics Sector’ at its launch on Sunday, brought out by Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Salman F Rahman said it will benefit all the stakeholders in contributing to the policy formulation and its proper implementation.

NCCI in Bangladesh hosted the online launch of its white paper, a follow up to the daylong event on the same topic hosted by the chamber in May, 2022.

The event was attended by business leaders, foreign dignitaries, government stakeholders, regulatory bodies, policymakers, and advocacy coalitions.

Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen said as Bangladesh focuses on the development of infrastructure, policies and guidelines need to be in place to get the most effective output from such infrastructural investments.

“Thus, inputs from all quarters are essential for providing the best to the country,” she said while speaking on behalf of the embassies of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

While talking about the economy of Bangladesh, the ambassador highlighted that the Bangladesh economy has proven to be strong and resilient, boasting a growth even during pandemic when most economies of the world contracted.

This uninterrupted trajectory of economic growth will see Bangladesh graduating from the LDC group in 2026.

“To be able to be at par with the global standards, foreign direct investments (FDI) in the logistics sector is a good start. It can readily bring in the technology, skill set and dynamism that will elevate the country to a more developed arena,” said the Danish envoy.

The ambassador also mentioned that to maintain and enhance the tempo of growth, the logistics sector needs to be strengthened through global connectivity, effective and efficient services guided through the long-term vision of the government.

However, to attract such investments, it is important that Bangladesh further enhances a conducive business environment for foreign companies such that they are motivated to invest and do business here, she said.

“A conducive general framework and a well-developed logistical infrastructure are closely connected, and it is important not to lose sight of this connection,” the Danish envoy said.