Ctg trade bodies want more funds for dev projects

Various trade bodies in Chattogram have urged the government to increase its special allocation for the port city's development projects in the national budget for fiscal 2021-22.

Besides, traders of the Khatunganj-Chaktai wholesale market demanded that the 300-year-old marketplace be declared a commercial zone.

They also asked the government to consider the pandemic-induced losses and subsequent debt when levying tax on annual turnover.

Several development projects, including the construction of a Patenga terminal and bay terminal at Chattogram port, are underway, according to Mahbubul Alam, president of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

However, these projects are yet to benefit import-export activities due to the slow implementation process.

"So, the special allocation for these projects needs to increase so that emphasis can be given for speedy completion," Alam told The Daily Star.

After the Bay terminal is completely constructed, the mega-expansion project could nearly double the port's operational capacity.

As a result, the cost of imports and exports will fall significantly since large ships will be able to dock at the terminal jetty.

About 90 per cent of the country's imported consumer goods arrive on large vessels but since they are unable to dock at the existing jetty due to the absence of adequate draft in the port channel, smaller ships have 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 a number of mega projects in the greater Chattogram area, including Matarbari, Cox's Bazar, Anwara, Banshkhali and Mirsharai.

Many domestic and foreign investors are eagerly awaiting the completion of these projects, which will bring a huge change to the overall economy.

"This makes it necessary to increase the allocation in the upcoming budget in order to quickly finish these projects," he added.

Alam believes that the local businesspeople could play a leading role in implementing the government's Vision-2041.

He also emphasised on the need to focus on poverty alleviation, generating employment, enhancing investment and increasing revenue collection while formulating the upcoming budget.

Meanwhile, traders of the Khatunganj-Chaktai market in Chattogram want the commodity hub to be declared as a commercial zone in order to address a number of longstanding issues.

The 300-year-old market is slowly losing its lustre due to narrow roads, waterlogging and a gas crisis.

Sagir Ahmed, general secretary of Khatunganj Traders Association, told The Daily Star that the market used to account for 50 per cent of the country's consumer goods demand just two decades ago but at present, it is just 30 per cent.

"If the market is declared a commercial zone and the facilities are increased, small-scale industries of essential items will also be set up in the area," he said.

As a part of their demand, the traders also asked for the establishment of a truck terminal, widening of the roads, dredging of the Karnaphuli river, and expansion of the Chaktai canal.