Three land ports are set to be automated and the all-important Chittagong Customs House is all set to be modernised as a World Bank-funded regional connectivity project kicked off.
This is as per reports, which added the World Bank is providing US $ 753.45 million to implement the project even if as per the concerned officials the project will help reduce travel time to India, which is emerging as a promising non-traditional export destination for ‘Made in Bangladesh’ apparel, by 30 per cent, once it is implemented fully within 2028.
Meanwhile, the project is expected to cut down physical customs inspection to 10 per cent from the current 25 per cent in the red channels and the customs clearance through green channels will reach 60 per cent from the current 0 per cent, as per the World Bank officials.
Speaking to the media, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, has underlined once the project is implemented, regional trade will be enhanced while adding around 50 per cent of Bangladesh’s total trade with India was being done through the three land ports and the planned automation will boost trade activities with the neighbouring country further.
