Dhaka chamber calls for quick end to air cargo ban on UK, Oz

DHAKA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) is calling on the government to quickly resolve the ban on air cargo imports to the UK that followed a similar move by Australia last December after lax international security measures were identified.

Expressing grave concern, DCCI said the embargo would cast adverse impact on exports to the UK, the third largest garment export destination after Germany.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines carries cargo directly to London in the bellyhold of its four weekly passenger flights. Each flight to the UK carries on average of 25 tonnes of cargo, mostly apparel, vegetables and agricultural products, reported Dhaka Tribune.

DCCI members are urging the Bangladeshi government to work with the UK and Australia to meet the security requirements demanded by its trade partners.

The business leaders expressed concern that if the ban is not lifted immediately, Bangladeshi exporters will have to send their products via Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand or Dubai which will increase transportation costs and time to market.