'Integrated Logistics Key to Nation's Next Export Leap'

Bangladesh must move beyond piecemeal infrastructure development and build a fully integrated national logistics network linking ports, roads, railways, inland waterways, customs and digital platforms if it is to sustain export growth and emerge as a globally competitive trading nation, according to Syed Yasser Haider Rizvi, Additional Managing Director of Summit Alliance Port Limited (SAPL).

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Observer, Rizvi said the country had reached a critical stage in its economic transformation where expanding port capacity alone would no longer be sufficient to support rising trade volumes.

"Bangladesh has made significant progress in developing ports and transport infrastructure, but the next phase of growth requires a unified logistics ecosystem," he said.

"We now need an integrated logistics system that connects ports, roads, railways, inland waterways, customs and digital platforms under one coordinated national strategy."

With Bangladesh targeting higher exports, preparing for post-LDC graduation and seeking deeper integration into global supply chains, Rizvi said efficient logistics had become as important as manufacturing competitiveness.

Ports Alone Cannot Deliver Trade Competitiveness
Bangladesh's exports have expanded steadily over the past two decades, driven largely by the ready-made garment sector. However, logistics capacity has failed to keep pace with the country's growing industrial base and expanding international trade.

While substantial investments have been made in seaports, highways and inland container depots, Rizvi believes fragmented planning continues to undermine overall efficiency.

"A port does not work in isolation," he said.

"It is one link in a much larger logistics chain. If any part of that chain becomes inefficient, the entire system suffers."

According to him, cargo movement should be viewed as a single, uninterrupted process rather than a series of disconnected transport activities managed by different agencies.

National Logistics Policy Provides Strong Foundation
Rizvi welcomed the government's National Logistics Policy, describing it as an important strategic framework capable of transforming Bangladesh into a regional logistics hub if implemented effectively.

He said recent investments in modern port infrastructure were already delivering measurable improvements.

The Patenga Container Terminal has significantly enhanced operational efficiency at Chattogram Port, while the entry of Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) has introduced international expertise, advanced management practices and globally recognised operating standards.

The proposed Laldia Container Terminal would further strengthen container handling capacity while encouraging healthy competition among terminal operators.
"Competition should be welcomed rather than feared," Rizvi observed.

"When operators compete through better services, innovation and higher productivity, exporters and importers benefit from faster, more reliable and cost-effective logistics."

Shift Cargo Handling Inland
Despite these developments, Rizvi argued that infrastructure expansion alone would not resolve Bangladesh's logistics bottlenecks.

He identified loose import cargo handling inside congested port premises as one of the sector's biggest operational challenges.

In leading maritime economies, he explained, ports focus primarily on vessel operations and container handling, while cargo consolidation, deconsolidation and distribution take place at inland logistics parks, container freight stations and inland container depots.

Bangladesh, he said, should gradually adopt the same model.

Removing loose cargo from port terminals would free valuable operational space, reduce truck congestion, shorten vessel turnaround times and enable ports to concentrate on their core function of efficiently handling ships and containers.

Multimodal Connectivity Holds the Key
According to Rizvi, connectivity should no longer be measured solely by kilometres of roads or the number of port terminals constructed.

"The real challenge is making every mode of transport work together," he said.

Roads, railways, inland waterways, seaports and dry ports should operate as one integrated logistics network rather than separate sectors.

Greater multimodal integration would significantly reduce cargo transit times, lower transport costs and improve the reliability of Bangladesh's supply chains, strengthening the competitiveness of exporters in global markets.

Digital Logistics No Longer Optional
Rizvi said digital transformation had become indispensable for modern logistics.

Global supply chains increasingly depend on real-time information sharing alongside physical infrastructure.

Electronic documentation, integrated customs clearance, digital cargo tracking, container visibility systems and automated truck appointment platforms can substantially improve efficiency while reducing delays and administrative costs.

He urged the government to establish a national digital logistics platform connecting customs authorities, shipping lines, port operators, freight forwarders, transport companies and regulatory agencies.

"Digital integration is no longer a luxury; it is essential for international competitiveness," he said.

Knowledge Transfer Must Accompany Investment
As international operators bring advanced technologies and management systems into Bangladesh's ports, Rizvi stressed that every major foreign investment should include structured technology transfer, professional training and long-term skills development for Bangladeshi workers.

"Foreign investment should leave behind knowledge and expertise-not just physical assets," he said.

Developing a highly skilled logistics workforce, he argued, would enhance productivity while ensuring Bangladesh can independently manage increasingly sophisticated logistics operations in the future.

Stable Policies Critical for Investment
Rizvi also underscored the importance of policy consistency.

Investors seek predictable regulations, shipping lines require dependable services and exporters need confidence that logistics costs will remain competitive over the long term.
Stable and transparent policies, he said, would encourage both domestic and foreign investment while reducing uncertainty across the supply chain.

Public-Private Partnership Driving Progress
He praised Bangladesh's public-private partnership model, noting that private investors have played a crucial role in expanding inland container depots, off-dock facilities, container freight stations and specialised logistics services, complementing government investment in ports and transport infrastructure.

"The objective should never be government versus the private sector," he said. "The objective should always be partnership."

Need for a National Logistics Coordination Platform
Looking ahead, Rizvi proposed establishing a dedicated national coordination platform bringing together ministries, regulators, port authorities and private operators to oversee logistics reforms.

Although the National Logistics Policy provides strategic direction, successful implementation will require continuous inter-agency coordination, measurable performance benchmarks and regular dialogue with industry stakeholders.

Such a platform could monitor key indicators including port productivity, cargo dwell time, truck turnaround time, logistics costs, multimodal connectivity and digital integration, enabling policymakers to identify bottlenecks before they constrain trade.

Closing the Regional Competitiveness Gap
Compared with regional logistics leaders such as Singapore and Malaysia, Bangladesh continues to face significantly higher logistics costs and longer cargo dwell times.

Industry estimates suggest logistics expenses account for around 16 to 18 per cent of Bangladesh's GDP, almost double the 8 to 10 per cent typically recorded in advanced logistics economies.

Reducing those costs through better coordination, digitalisation and policy reforms would substantially improve Bangladesh's export competitiveness, Rizvi said.

He believes the coming decade presents a rare opportunity as export diversification, industrial expansion, regional connectivity initiatives and increasing foreign investment generate sharply higher cargo volumes.

To seize that opportunity, Bangladesh must strengthen institutional coordination, expand multimodal transport, accelerate digital transformation and invest continuously in human capital.

"Efficient logistics is far more than a transport issue-it is an economic growth strategy," Rizvi concluded.

"When cargo moves faster, factories receive raw materials on time, exporters meet delivery schedules, shipping lines operate more efficiently and consumers ultimately benefit from lower logistics costs."

"Ports are Bangladesh's gateways to international trade. But it is integrated logistics that will determine how successfully the country competes in the global economy."