The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The automation of the Chittagong Customs House will come into effect from today opening a new chapter of computerised handling of customer services bringing efficiency and transparency in port operations.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed will formally inaugurate the automation services at a function to be held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city switching on the on-line computerised network.

President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) Saifuzzaman Chowdhury briefed reporters yesterday at the Jatiya Press Club about the launching of the Customs automation by the Chief Adviser tomorrow.

He said the automation scheme will cover all clearing and forwarding-related activities including manifestation of export and imports, writ management, law and litigation management, duty and valuation assessment, bill of entry license, security and auction system.

He said the automation will reduce the number of steps to only five from 42 in the process from tariff valuation to releasing the cargo. It will moreover, simplify tariff fixation procedure, reduce harassment of businessmen and other undue intervention from vested quarters and on top, increase government revenue to a large extent.

He said the CCCI has carried out the automation project under a five-year agreement with the port authority and the government making it a unique example of public-private partnership.

The project has been implemented within six months since the signing of the agreement in April 13 this year where as such work require several years in preparing the project and carrying out implementation by foreign firms.

He said the CCCI has developed the project under 'build own- operate and transfer' basis and all stakeholders using the port customs house have lent their support to it making sure that it will continue to work without destabilisation.