The offshoot conflict in the Red Sea has meant higher freight costs and increased expenses for insuring commercial trade goods.

Bangladeshi exporters are apprehending prolonged delays in shipments and a surge in transport costs following recent attacks on commercial vessels on the Red Sea

The Bangladesh Bank is yet to take any visible measure in line with a commerce ministry directive aimed at asking banks to earmark a portion of their foreign currency holdings to open letters of credit to import essentials ahead of Ramadan. 

Saudi Arabia wants direct shipping between Chattogram and Jeddah as the Middle Eastern country is eager to strengthen economic relations in the areas of trade and investment, culture, education and in tourism.

Another direct container shipping service between Chattogram and two European ports is going to be introduced next month.