Sakhawat, Chinese minister discuss Bangladesh-China shipping cooperation in Shanghai

A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Shipping Ministry Adviser Brigadier General (Rtd) M Sakhawat Hussain and Chinese Transport Minister Liu Wei was held at Shanghai in China.

The meeting discussed in detail the ongoing cooperation in the shipping sector, infrastructure development and future areas of cooperation between the two countries, said a Shipping Ministry press release here today (19 October).  

 The both sides emphasised on further strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China.

It specifically discussed the progress of the Mongla Port Expansion and Modernisation Project with Chinese assistance, the implementation of the ongoing agreement with China's Exim Bank, and technical assistance related to the project. 

Additionally, both sides also agreed that the port facilities will increase if the Mongla Port Authority works based on joint initiative and cooperation with the famous Port of Yantai in China.

Regarding capacity building and cooperation in the port sector, the Shipping Adviser said that China is skilled in port operation and management. 

The experience that various Chinese ports have gained in increasing cargo and container handling capacity can be used by the ports of Bangladesh to benefit more, he said.

 Sakhawat emphasised the importance of communicating with China Exim Bank regarding a quick loan agreement to finance the 'Expansion and Modernisation of Mongla Port' project being implemented on a Bangladesh-China J2J basis at Mongla Port. 

At this time, China assured cooperation of making Mongla Port a regional hub and increase capacity in the port sector.

The Shipping Adviser mentioned China's maritime sector is advanced and modern and in this regard and Guangzhou Maritime University is playing an important role in training and knowledge sharing of Bangladeshi seafarers. 

They also agreed to further enhance the existing cooperation in this sector.

 The Shipping Adviser called on Bangladeshi seafarers to create jobs in various institutions in China.

During the discussion, the Chinese Minister of Transport expressed hope that China will continue to work as a reliable development partner in the development progress of Bangladesh. 

He also said that the example of trust and mutual cooperation that Bangladesh has set by signing China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the first country in South Asia will further strengthen the economic relations between the two countries in future.

At the meeting, the Shipping Adviser expressed gratitude for China's continued support for the development of Mongla, Chittagong and Payra ports, including other sea and river ports. 

He said that China's support in increasing the capacity of Bangladesh's port sector is making the country's trade and maritime communication system more dynamic. 

In particular, there was discussion on improving relations between Mongla Port and Port of Yantai of China. 

In addition, the Adviser also sought the cooperation of the Chinese minister in recruiting trained Bangladeshi officers and sailors on sea-going ships.

Both sides expressed hope that the meeting would make the mutual relations between the two countries stronger and more fruitful. 

Senior officials of both countries were present at the meeting, the press release added.