Bangladesh has bright potential for connectivity with ASEAN countries, Myanmar and India’s north-eastern regions, especially the Chattogram region, so Chattogram has endless possibilities on the Bay of Bengal coast, experts opine at a meeting.
They said, but due to geographical limitations and non-entry of large ships to the region, this possibility is falling behind. Japan is researching how to increase the potential of maritime trade in the Bay of Bengal region by utilizing its geographical advantage.
The discussion was held between board of directors of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Japanese research delegation on Monday.
Chamber President Omar Hazzaz moderated the discussion while Chamber Directors Anjan Shekhar Das, Mahfujul Haque Shah, Mohammad Akhtar Parvez, Mohammad Monir Uddin and Executive Director of Reliance Shipping Limited were also present.
IDE-JETRO Research Institute Director So Umezaki said that JETRO is conducting research to verify the feasibility of various types of economic development in Bangladesh. Wahid Alam and Md. Badrul Alam, BSRM Group Manager (Logistics) also spoke .
Chattogram Chamber President Omar Hazzaz said, Chattogram region has about 250 km long sea coast. This coast has harbors, ship breaking and ship building industries and fishing zones. There are also various heavy industrial factories along the coast. Therefore, the Japanese research team called upon the government to recommend the formulation of a sectoral master plan to accelerate the potential of this long coast.
He also said, Patenga container terminal has been launched recently to increase the capacity of Chattogram port. Also, 4 terminals will be constructed in the Bay-Terminal Project to further expand and accelerate the port. An agreement has already been made with the United Arab Emirates-based organisation.
The speakers said that the government is investing in the infrastructure sector to develop Chattogram as an international logistics and trade city. Bangabandhu Industrial City is being developed in this region. Various countries including India are already investing here.
Japan's GRIPS Professor Toshihiro Kud, Chamber directors A. K. M. Akhter Hossain, Md. Ohid Siraj Chowdhury (Shapan) and Mohammad Adnanul Islam were present among others.
