AmCham Bangladesh Hosts Breakfast Meeting on Port & Logistics Management
On September 22, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) convened a Breakfast Meeting on “Port & Logistics Management” at The Westin Dhaka. The event featured Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, OSP, ndc, ncc, psc, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, and Mr. Philip Grove, Director of Business Development at Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC, as guest speakers. The dialogue was supported by UPS Bangladesh.
In his opening remarks, AmCham President Mr. Syed Ershad Ahmed underscored the logistics sector’s critical role, employing approximately 7 million people and contributing 20% to Bangladesh’s GDP. Despite its significance, the sector faces challenges, including underdeveloped infrastructure and low rankings in global customs clearance and logistics indices. Mr. Ahmed highlighted the unimplemented 2024 logistics policy and urged for coordinated stakeholder efforts, a robust logistics strategy, and policy reforms to enhance competitiveness and unlock the sector’s potential.
Mr. Philip Grove expressed gratitude to AmCham Bangladesh, the U.S. Embassy, and partners for hosting the event. Drawing on his 16 years of engagement with Bangladesh, he emphasized the strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh trade partnership. He stressed the importance of visibility in cargo tracking, logistics costs, and real-time data, advocating for modern, AI-driven, cloud-based technologies to boost efficiency. Mr. Grove also expressed enthusiasm for connecting Bangladeshi stakeholders with U.S. solution providers to advance logistics capabilities.
The event featured a dynamic dialogue moderated by AmCham Executive Director Mr. Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, focusing on enhancing U.S. export potential, expanding investment opportunities, and addressing challenges in Bangladesh’s port and logistics sector. Key industry leaders, including Captain Sohail Hasan (Western Marine Shipyard), Engr. Harun-Ur-Rashid (Mediterranean Shipping Company Bangladesh Ltd.), Mr. Yasser Rizvi (Summit Alliance Port Limited), Mr. Kabir Ahmed (Conveyor Logistics Ltd.), Mr. Syed Mohammad Arif (Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association), Mr. Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir (CILT Bangladesh), and Mr. Syed Mohammad Tarique (RSGT Bangladesh), shared insights on driving progress in the sector.
Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman highlighted Chittagong Port’s modernization efforts, handling over 96% of Bangladesh’s trade and 98% of its containers. To address overdependence, a JICA-supported national port policy is set for completion by year-end, alongside digital advancements like e-gates, real-time tracking, and a dedicated application. Strategic partnerships with global operators (TSC, B2W, Maersk, MSC) and projects are underway. With over half of Bangladesh’s population under 27 and seeking employment, he emphasized capacity building, policy consistency, and global collaboration to achieve green port development and trade readiness by 2030.
