Govt to establish jt body to speed up cargo clearance at Ctg Port: Khasru

CHATTOGRAM Aug 11: The government has decided to form a joint committee comprising the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and customs authorities to expedite cargo clearance and reduce business costs.
The Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday announced the decision while briefing journalists after holding a high-level meeting with senior port and customs officials at the Chattogram Port.
“The committee will work to improve coordination between the two agencies and address operational problems that delay import-export activities” he stated.
Mentioning the reason for taking such step, Khasru said that the government has been trying to remove the obstacles businesses have faced due to various regulations and complexities.
He further said that the meeting identified specific problems between the port and customs authorities and decisions were taken to resolve them.
"Nothing has been left open-ended. Each decision has been given a specific timeframe for implementation," he said. 
Khosru said delays in port operations and customs clearance increase the cost of doing business, eventually pushing up prices for consumers.
Khasru also described that the businesses will have lower operating costs if cargo can be cleared and exports processed in less time. “The benefit will ultimately reach consumers as well," he said.
Pointing to the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the Minister said that the key issue was not whether the terminal would be operated by the port authority or a particular entity, but whether its operator would work in the national interest.
Asked about customs officials' seizure of illegal goods and allegations of irregularities, he said the government would take a strict stance against corruption.
He opined that there would be no scope for corruption, nepotism or patronage under the current government. No matter how powerful those involved in irregularities are, they will not receive any concession.