E-commerce stakeholders worried by logistical challenges

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They require a strong e-commerce policy and sound delivery systems to make sure better services

Logistical challenges are going to make it difficult to build up the e-commerce industry in Bangladesh, stakeholders of the industry have said.

They also emphasized the need for strong e-commerce policy and sound delivery systems to make sure better services for consumers and protection from fraud.

The remarks were made through the virtual inauguration of a meeting titled “Post COVID-19: Challenges & Opportunities for Entrepreneurship and Employment in e-Commerce in Bangladesh” on Saturday. The function was organized by France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) in collaboration with Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB)

Topics discussed by the panellists at the function included the development of e-commerce industry both domestically and internationally, e-commerce readiness assessment and strategy formulation, ICT  infrastructure and services, trade logistics and trade facilitation, payment solutions, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, e-commerce skill development and usage of financing.

In his opening remarks, CCIFB President Syed Mahmudul Huq said: “The present Covid-19 crisis has resulted in unprecedented economical disruptions, with negative fallout on production processes and trade related activities. These prompted the industry to seek e-trade solutions and greater utilization of IT and digital approaches for ensuring sustained economical activities including trade and job creation.” 

He also said Bangladesh e-commerce, by strengthening its links to the agriculture, manufacturing and services industries, offers significant opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation, and may become a key driver for our monetary growth.  

Muhammad Abdul Wahed Tomal, secretary general of e-CAB, said the current e-commerce market in Bangladesh stands at $2.77 billion and it'll soon rise to $3.77 billion. 

He emphasized the necessity for coordinated and planned efforts from a2i, the e-commerce cell and BIDA to ensure ease of conducting business and facilitate the further expansion of freelancing and out-sourcing businesses.  

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Daraz Bangladesh Limited Managing Director Syed Mostahidal Hoq pleaded for the issuance of trade licenses for e-commerce traders working at home and a VAT rate that would promote e-Commerce.

Jarjis Imam, Global Leader for Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Computing Services and Automation Engineering Practice, spoke on cloud technology, Big Data and Amazon's method of e-commerce and their possible applications in Bangladesh. 

Mohammad Aminul Hakim, president of the web Service Providers Association of Bangladesh, discussed challenges that ISP companies face and in addition a number of the policy conditions that should be addressed to build up the country’s ICT infrastructure in a manner that supports e-commerce. 

“Logistics are an integral part and challenge of e commerce businesses and this is among the major areas that needs to be addressed with regards to policy and  the technical aspects,” said Mahbubul Anam, former president of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association.

He emphasized cross border e-commerce and paperless trade policy, in addition to possible methods to address logistical issues. 

“The government has recently formulated the National Digital Commerce Policy and launched its satellite, Bangabandhu Satellite -1, to expedite the realization of Digital Bangladesh,” he said, mentioning that Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi assured of the entire support of the federal government for the development of e-commerce in Bangladesh consistent with Vision 2021. 

“The current volume of world e-Commerce is $3.5 trillion and it is expected to reach $4.5 trillion in 2021. It has huge prospect of Bangladesh,” he added. 

Executive Chairman of BIDA Sirazul Islam appreciated the advice created by the speakers in the webinar and assured his full support for simple conducting business and creating a favourable environment for investments in the e-commerce sector. 
Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com

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