Foreign Operators to Run Three Terminals of Ctg Port for 25 to 30 Years

Mohammed Yousuf, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, on Sunday said that the government will sign agreements with the foreign companies to hand over three terminals -- Laldia Container Terminal, New Mooring Container Terminal and Pangaon Terminal -- of the Chattogram Port in December. 

Under the agreements, the Laldia Terminal will be managed for 30 years while the rest of two -- New Mooring and Pangaon -- will be operated for 25 years.

Yousuf disclosed the plan while addressing a seminar titled "Investment Prospects in the Ocean-Going Ship Industry", held at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in Dhaka. 

Azam J Chowdhury, chairman of the Bangladesh Ocean Going Ship Owners' Association, was present there as the special guest. 

ERF President Doulat Akter Mala chaired the session while Dr Zaidi Sattar, chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), presented the keynote paper.

Yousuf also said that six months ago, the government had received a report from an international consultancy firm, which was appointed in 2020 to provide recommendations regarding the Chattogram Port's operations.

"Based on the report, the port tariff has already been increased as per the consultant's recommendation," he added. 

Meanwhile, Yousuf also said that the ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Shipping and the private sector, has already initiated the process of amending existing laws and regulations to make the concerned operations smoother and more business-friendly.

The Senior Shipping Secretary said that the shipping sector is currently facing multiple challenges including high raw material costs, financing complexities and limited port capacity.

Steps are being taken to simplify further the processes for ship registration  and sale approval, he added. 

Regarding skilled manpower development, the Senior Secretary said that discipline has been ensured in marine training and CDC certification processes so that unqualified individuals cannot enter the maritime profession thereby maintaining international standards.

Chairman of the Bangladesh Ocean Going Ship Owners' Association Azam J Chowdhury emphasized the need to ensure a level-playing field and equal opportunities for Bangladesh-flagged vessels.