Smart management can make Matarbari port a game changer: Experts
hey said there should be right policies so the port becomes an asset in Bay
Smart management can make the Matarbari Deepsea Port a game changer in the entire South Asian region and beyond, experts said at a seminar Tuesday (19 March).
Efficient logistics, congestion free hinterland connectivity, skilled human resources, business-friendly tax regime, maximum facilities at competitive prices, and the shortest turnaround time can make the port crucial for the region's development, they said at the seminar titled "Bangladesh's First Deep Seaport: Matarbari Heralds a New Vista in the Bay of Bengal Region."
They suggested either an experienced private operator, preferably from a developed country, or a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) management can ensure the development of a world-class automated port.
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In the seminar, Emadul Islam, research fellow of the Ocean Policy Research Institute, and researcher Kamran Reza Chowdhury presented the keynote paper.
Reza said, as an infrastructure project, Matarbari is a grand success of the government. "However, the policymakers must set policies accordingly so the seaport becomes our asset in the Bay of Bengal through generating hefty revenue as the project is being built with loans."
He also highlighted that the government has already taken an initiative to formulate a law to separate the management of the port from Chittagong Port Authority, the agency executing the Matarbari Port Development Project.
The seminar was organised by the Ocean Policy Research Unit of Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation at Parliament's LD Hall.
Addressing as chief guest, Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said Matarbari deep seaport is a gateway that will facilitate connectivity with landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan through Bangladesh.
The Speaker said that through Matarbari deep seaport, the socio-economic development of the neighbouring countries will take place while Bangladesh will also benefit.
"This seaport will play a crucial role in facilitating the communication with different states through waterways and will also increase commercial competition," she added.
