CA directs to expedite initiatives to enhance capacity of Ctg port
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today directed the authorities concerned to quickly conclude talks with potential foreign investors aimed at increasing the capacity of Chattogram port and ensuring world-class services for port users.
He gave the directives at a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), and other relevant entities at the State Guest House Jamuna this evening.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The chief adviser said efficient operators should be engaged in port management so that the country's ports can attain the capacity to compete in the international market.
"We have to make our ports world-class to establish the investment hub we are talking about," he added.
BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun told the meeting that the current handling capacity of Bangladesh's seaports is 1.37 million units per year, which can be increased to 7.86 million units in the next five years through proper planning and action.
He said the current capacity of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong port is 1.27 million units per year, while Mongla port's capacity is 0.1 million units.
These capacities can be increased to 1.5 million units and 0.63 million units respectively, he added.
Ashik said once the construction of the Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal, and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is completed, Bangladesh will have a handling capacity of more than five million units.
He also briefed the chief adviser on the overall progress of the construction of Laldia port.
Prof Yunus urged all the concerned agencies to complete the works by August through proper coordination.
Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Chief Adviser's Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, Shipping Senior Secretary Mohammed Yousuf, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, and CPA Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman were present at the meeting, among others.
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