Experts are for strong policy, sound delivery systems, better services and protection from fraud to ensure the growth and development of e-commerce sector in Bangladesh.
Participating at the virtual inauguration of an event titled, ‘Post COVID-19: Challenges & Opportunities for Entrepreneurship and Employment in e-Commerce in Bangladesh’, organised by France Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFB) in association with e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB) and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), stakeholders identified logistical challenges as the major stumbling block towards the further development of e-commerce in Bangladesh.
Underlining Bangladesh’s current e-commerce market is at US $ 2.77 billion, which would soon reach US $ 3.77 billion, Secretary General of e-CAB, Muhammad Abdul Wahed Tomal called for planned and coordinated efforts from BIDA and the e-commerce cell, a2i, to ensure ease of doing business while former President of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, Mahbubul Anam, on his part, said logistics, which is an integral part and challenge of e commerce businesses, needs to be addressed both in terms of policy and technical aspect.
He further stated that Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, in line with Vision 2021, has assured full support of the Government for the development of e-commerce sector in the country.
Various topics that came up for discussion during the event pertained to development of e-commerce industry both domestically and internationally, trade logistics and trade facilitation, payment solutions, readiness assessment and strategy formulation, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, ICT infrastructure and services and access to financing.