Dhaka, Oct 13 (V7N) — The process of appointing foreign operators to manage three major terminals of the Chattogram Port — Laldia, New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), and Bay Terminal — has reached its final stage. According to the Ministry of Shipping, the agreement is expected to be signed in December this year.

Speaking at a seminar titled “Investment Prospects in the Ocean-Going Shipping Industry,” held on Sunday at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in Dhaka’s Paltan area, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Mohammad Yusuf, confirmed the development.

He stated that the government aims to finalize agreements with international companies by December for the management of the three terminals — Laldia for 30 years, and NCT and Bay Terminal for 25 years each. The move, he said, is intended to enhance port efficiency, reduce lead time, and bring operations up to international standards.

“Countries like India and Sri Lanka already engage foreign operators for port management, and we are following a similar path,” Yusuf explained. “All related details of these agreements may be made public on our official website if necessary.”

ERF President Daulat Akter presided over the seminar, with General Secretary Abul Kashem moderating. Bangladesh Ocean-Going Ship Owners’ Association President Azam J. Chowdhury attended as the special guest, while Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI), presented the keynote paper.

Addressing port tariffs, Yusuf noted that service charges at the Chattogram Port have been revised for the first time since 1986. “The adjustment was long overdue. Although the rate might seem slightly higher, it was determined through careful study. Considering the upcoming involvement of international operators, reducing the tariff is not feasible now,” he added.

During the seminar, Azam J. Chowdhury highlighted that the withdrawal of the tax holiday for the ocean-going shipping sector, previously effective until 2030, has placed around USD 3.5 billion in investments at risk. He urged the government to reinstate the tax exemption to revive investor confidence.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sattar emphasized the potential of the shipbuilding industry, saying, “Beyond the ready-made garment sector, four to five industries already export over USD 1 billion annually. With proper financial support and bank guarantees, Bangladesh’s shipbuilding sector could achieve similar success.”

The upcoming agreements mark a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s maritime infrastructure, expected to strengthen its position as a regional logistics and trade hub in South Asia.

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