Vehicle imports at Mongla port hit record high

The number of vehicles imported through the Mongla Port reached a record high of 20,808 in FY2021-22, exceeding the Chattogram port’s figure of 13,975 vehicles recorded at the same period.

The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) made this disclosure in a press release on Tuesday, adding that vehicle imports through this port have been witnessing an annual growth of 13 per cent. Bangladesh imported 34,783 vehicles through its two seaports in FY22.  

Through the efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh government, vehicle imports began at the Mongla port back in 2009 with 8,900 cars. The number of vehicles imported through this port has since been increasing steadily.

After around 14 years, the Mongla port exceeded the Chattogram port in terms of vehicle imports for the first time ever. Of the total vehicle imports this fiscal year, 60 per cent came through the Mongla port, and 40 per cent through the Chattogram port, the release mentions.

According to the MPA, there are a multitude of factors contributing to the increase in vehicle imports through this port, including incentive packages for the importers, shorter unload and release time, availability of improved sheds and yards for storing vehicles, and improved security measures including round the clock patrols and CCTVs to ensure the safety of vehicles.

Speaking to The Business Post, MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa said, “Vehicle imports at the Mongla port have been increasing steadily as the port authorities are offering several incentive packages and other benefits to the importers.

“Importers are choosing this port to save time and money.”

He further said, “Now that the Padma Bridge has been launched, more opportunities have been created for traders. While the distance from Dhaka to Chittagong is 260 km, the distance from Dhaka to Mongla is only 170 km.

“Traders can easily reach Dhaka by car in just three and a half to four hours by road. Due to the improvements in the road system, there will be an increase in car imports in this port and a lot of work will be done here.”