Increasing Chattogram Port tariff will severely harm export-oriented industries: Salim Rahman

Newly elected First Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Salim Rahman has warned that any increase in tariffs at Chattogram Port would cause severe losses to the country's garments sector as well as other export-oriented industries.

In response to recent media reports regarding a possible rise in service charges at Chattogram Port, Salim Rahman expressed grave concern through a press statement on today (19 June).

He noted that Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry has been struggling with multiple setbacks since the post-COVID-19 period of 2020, which include the global surge in energy prices triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war, a global economic downturn, conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine and Israel-Iran wars, and increased tariffs imposed by the United States on several countries.

"All these factors have already had a detrimental impact on our garments sector," he said, adding that domestic and foreign conspiracies, as well as labour unrest since the July 2014 wage movement, have compounded the industry's challenges.

"Despite these adversities, the country's garment entrepreneurs have strived to sustain the industry's competitiveness," Rahman stated.

"If port tariffs are raised under these conditions, it will put immense pressure on the export-oriented manufacturing sector, making the survival of the garment industry even more difficult," Salim added.

He urged the government and relevant authorities not to take such a "suicidal decision" as increasing port tariffs, which would severely affect national exports.

Salim also sought the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the Chattogram Port Authority, for the continued welfare of the RMG sector, describing it as the backbone of the country's economy.