Proper project execution needed to make Ctg a commercial hub

Chattogram Bureau :
Proper implementation of development projects and addressing the existing problems is key to turning Chattogram into the commercial hub it is expected to be, urbanisation experts at a webinar said.
Authorities concerned also need to plan the next steps with the necessity of people from all walks of life in mind to improve the city’s liveability, representatives of various sectors and organisations from the port city Currently, development projects worth Tk1 lakh crore are being implemented in Chattogram, including the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, Mirsarai Economic Zone, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Cox’s Bazar Rail Line, Chattogram Port Bay Terminal, Patenga Container Terminal.The port city is ready as an investment friendly city, the discussants said, hoping that it will be the next South Asia Business Hub.
“Chattogram is a commercial hub of the country. It is important that the projects here are completed on time,” said Mahbubul Alam, president of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.He said the Bay terminal and new jetties need to be built on the port. Otherwise Chattogram will not be able to produce any rewards as a commercial city.
He added the departmental offices in the port city need to be empowered, or Chattogram will not be able to enjoy the benefits of the mega projects being implemented there.Moreover, the decision-making power of the government institutions need to be shifted to Chattogram, said the Chittagong Chamber president.
Mahbubul also said Chattogram-based businessmen are incurring losses due to the weighing scale at Boro Darogahat on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway. Although 20-22 tonnes of goods are transported on other roads using six wheeler transports, traders in Chattogram cannot transport more than 13 tonnes due to the weighing scale limit.