He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Shipping at a hotel in the capital on Sunday (October 11).
The minister said a large portion of the country's import-export and economic activities is linked to seaports, river ports, and land ports. Therefore, it is essential to increase efficiency, capacity, and coordination in port management. In preparing the national port strategy, the broader economic interests of the state must be taken into consideration instead of prioritizing the interests of any particular ministry or agency.
He said the strategy is being prepared based on the opinions of the relevant ministries, port authorities, National Board of Revenue, customs, businesspeople, importers and exporters, and experts. In this work, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and local and foreign experts are providing assistance.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said port development cannot be limited to infrastructure construction alone. Coordination must be increased in terminal operations, container handling, cargo unloading, transport connectivity, and customs activities. There is an opportunity to increase the efficiency and competitive capacity of the ports by utilizing international experience.
State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, Shipping Secretary Zakaria, JICA Country Director in Bangladesh Takahashi, chairmen of various ports, representatives of relevant departments, university teachers, and experts were present at the seminar.
