Ctg trade bodies need more funds for dev projects
Various trade bodies in Chattogram have urged the government to increase its distinctive allocation for the port city's development projects on the national budget for fiscal 2021-22.
Besides, dealers of the Khatunganj-Chaktai low cost industry demanded that the 300-year-old marketplace come to be declared a commercial area.
They also asked the federal government to consider the pandemic-induced losses and subsequent credit debt when levying tax on gross annual turnover.
Several development projects, like the construction of a Patenga terminal and bay terminal at Chattogram port, are underway, in respect to Mahbubul Alam, president of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).
However, these projects are but to benefit import-export actions as a result of slow implementation process.
"So, the particular allocation for these assignments needs to increase in order that emphasis can be given for speedy completion," Alam told The Daily Superstar.
Following the Bay terminal is completely constructed, the mega-expansion task could almost double the port's operational capacity.
As a result, the price tag on imports and exports will fall drastically since large ships should be able to dock at the terminal jetty.
About 90 % of the country's imported consumer goods arrive on large vessels but being that they are struggling to dock at the prevailing jetty because of the absence of adequate draft in the port channel, smaller ships need to sail out to the outer anchorage to unload them.
"This is both time consuming and an added expense," said the CCCI president.
The government has initiated several mega projects in the higher Chattogram area, including Matarbari, Cox's Bazar, Anwara, Banshkhali and Mirsharai.
Many domestic and international investors are eagerly awaiting the completion of the projects, which will bring an enormous change to the entire economy.
"This makes it essential to increase the allocation in the upcoming budget in order to quickly finish these tasks," he added.
Alam believes that the neighborhood businesspeople could take up a leading role in implementing the government's Eyesight-2041.
He also emphasised on the necessity to focus on poverty alleviation, generating employment, improving investment and increasing earnings collection while formulating the upcoming spending plan.
Meanwhile, traders of the Khatunganj-Chaktai market in Chattogram wish the commodity hub to end up being declared as a professional zone to be able to address several longstanding issues.
The 300-year-old industry is slowly shedding its lustre due to narrow roads, waterlogging and a gas crisis.
Sagir Ahmed, standard secretary of Khatunganj Traders Association, told The Daily Superstar that the marketplace used to take into account 50 per cent of the country's customer goods demand just 2 decades ago but at the moment, it is merely 30 per cent.
"If the marketplace is declared a professional zone and the establishments are increased, small-scale sectors of essential items will also be collection up in the area," he said.
As part of their demand, the dealers as well asked for the establishment of a pickup truck terminal, widening of the roads, dredging of the Karnaphuli river, and expansion of the Chaktai canal.
