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An exorbitant freight rate hike by major shipping lines operating in Bangladesh made the export prices of some major items less competitive compared to other countries.
As a result, the foreign importers feel discouraged to import from Bangladesh.
The newly elected chairman of the Shippers' Council of Bangladesh (SCB) Mahbub Ali made these observations at the council's 24th annual general meeting (AGM) held at its office Thursday.
In his written speech, he said the major exportable items of Bangladesh including readymade garments, raw jute and jute goods are facing increased competition from all neighbouring countries like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam.
He said the local members of the SCB enjoined in the UNCTAD Code of Conduct when major shipping lines of the world have increased freight rate recently without serving sufficient notice to them.
He said the SCB authorities also sat in meeting with the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and different trade associations to discuss problems of the port, as the foreign ships are reluctant to use the seaport.
The outgoing chairman Farhad Ahmed Akanda, vice-chairmen Mozibur Rahman Mridha, Syed Sadaqat Hossain of the SCB and members from different exporting association were present among others present during the 24th SCB AGM.
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