Mongla, Aug11 (V7N) – A German financial investment organization, Sundarbans Delta Growth Initiative (SDGI), has expressed intent to invest in the development of Mongla Port, including enhancement of the port's navigability and infrastructure. The announcement came during a meeting held on Monday afternoon between representatives of SDGI and Rear Admiral M Shahin Rahman, Chairman of the Mongla Port Authority.
 
Discussions focused on comprehensive port development, including the outer bar dredging of the Pashur Channel—vital for improving vessel accessibility to the port. The Mongla Port Authority has welcomed the interest and agreed in principle to the proposed collaboration.
 
Participants in the meeting included M A Nazir Shahin, Member Secretary of SDGI; representatives from Arab contractor Orascom Peninsula Consortium including Chen Bin, Shi Jin, Kawsar, and Echi; and delegates from a joint German-Egyptian investment group.
 
SDGI has been actively working to improve the socioeconomic conditions of over 30 million people in Bangladesh’s southwestern region. The organization has already begun initiatives in the renewable energy sector and is exploring the reopening of closed industrial units and establishing new ones in the Khulna region. The goal is to attract foreign industries and develop economic zones to revitalize the region’s economy.
 
Speaking to the media, M A Nazir Shahin noted, “We had a productive meeting with Mongla Port Authority regarding our interest in enhancing the port’s capacity. India previously intended to invest in this area, but that initiative did not proceed. We aim to fill that gap and contribute to port expansion. A high-level delegation from Germany will soon visit Mongla Port for further assessment.”
 
He also emphasized that increasing the port’s capacity will ease cargo movement not just for Bangladesh, but also for neighboring countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Plans are also underway to relocate several Vietnamese industrial enterprises to the Khulna region, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the country’s underdeveloped southwest.
 
Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport, has seen growing importance in recent years due to its strategic location and potential to serve as a regional logistics hub. Enhanced foreign investment and cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity, are viewed as crucial for unlocking its full potential.
 
END/AHS/SMA/