Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) urged the government to expedite implementation of infrastructure-mega projects for stimulating local economy and further facilitating exports.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan expected that the implemented mega projects will significantly improve transport connectivity in the country and accelerate trade by reducing cost of transportation and logistics.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim and Director Rajiv Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.
The BGMEA president said that the fashion seasons are becoming shorter and shorter where apparel manufacturers are pressurised to deliver products within a very strict time frame.
“Traffic congestion on the highways takes up very valuable time from the lead-time. Besides, additional time in transportation of raw materials and exportable goods from factories due to traffic jam is adding to production cost,” he said.
“So, it is utmost important to complete the mega projects in the shortest possible time to remove existing traffic congestion on the highways, especially on the Dhaka-Gazipur route,” he added.
He also urged the government to begin implementation of the Dhaka-Ashulia elevated expressway project after ensuring alternative ways for use by commuters and vehicles during construction works.