Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain has called on Japan to provide both technical and financial assistance for the development of a ‘National Port Strategy’ in Bangladesh.
Emphasizing Japan’s longstanding friendship and contribution to Bangladesh’s growth, he highlighted the vital role of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in supporting key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure since Bangladesh’s independence.
During a meeting with a JICA delegation at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday, Dr. Hossain pointed to the ongoing construction of the country’s first deep-sea port at Matarbari, a project supported by JICA, as a prime example of Japan’s expertise and commitment.
Dr. Hossain stressed the need for an integrated port management strategy to attract more foreign investment and align Bangladesh’s maritime sector with international standards.
“It is unfortunate that, in over 50 years, Bangladesh has not developed a comprehensive port management strategy. At present, each port operates and plans its development independently. However, as seen in developed countries, modern and integrated port management is crucial. Leading global ports are utilizing automation to attract higher levels of foreign investment,” he said.
He further explained that the government’s proposed ‘National Port Strategy’ aims to create a coordinated and sustainable port management framework, incorporating a maritime single-window system to streamline all port-related services.
This initiative, he added, would lay the foundation for a robust, forward-looking port infrastructure capable of supporting increased trade and investment.
The JICA delegation, led by Chief Representative Ichiguchi Tomohide, welcomed the proposal and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh as a trusted partner. They assured comprehensive assistance in the development of the ‘National Port Strategy.’
The meeting also included a review of the Matarbari deep-sea port project, with optimism that the port will begin operations by 2030, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s maritime sector.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, including senior secretary Mohammad Yusuf, along with the Chittagong Port Authority chairman and other ministry representatives, also attended the meeting.
