Chattogram Port Opens Doors to Foreign Operators: Shipping Minister
Stating that the management of Chattogram Port had hit a state of stagnation, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam Robi declared that the path has been opened for foreign organizations to overcome this impasse. He made these remarks on Thursday at an event held at the Bangladesh Marine Academy to mark World Maritime Day and the academy’s 64th founding anniversary.
The minister noted that container, cargo, and vessel management centered around Chattogram Port was failing to meet actual requirements. Pointing to various facilities, including PCT, NCT, CCT, Laldia, and Bay Terminals 1, 2, and 3, he emphasized the urgent need for foreign investment and technological advancements to boost container handling capacity and keep pace with major global ports.
Highlighting ongoing development, Minister Mr. Robi stated that economic hubs are taking shape around Chattogram and Mongla ports, alongside the setup of special economic zones and rising foreign investment. However, he warned that without a simultaneous upgrade in service quality and efficiency, these efforts could stumble, noting that the government is driving an integrated approach to address this challenge.
Addressing the broader maritime industry, the minister acknowledged that despite immense potential, the sector has not fully expanded in the past. Moving past previous shortcomings, he asserted the government’s strong commitment to realizing this latent potential. The event was attended by Member of Parliament Mr. Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Ministry Secretary Mr. Zakaria, Commodore Md. Shafiul Bari, and Commandant Mr. Kazi ABM Shamim.
