Bangladesh seeks Chinese investment to modernise ports, boost connectivity

Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today (4 November) called for long-term Chinese investment and partnership to develop Bangladesh’s infrastructure, modernise its transport system and enhance port capacity.

“China’s cooperation has been playing a vital role in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development, expansion of connectivity and economic progress. Bangladesh is interested in working together on major and mega infrastructure projects of mutual interest in the future as well,” he said at a meeting with the chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

Shaikh Rabiul Alam expressed sincere gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued cooperation in Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector.

He said the government had accorded priority to modernising the country’s overall connectivity system, enhancing port capacity and developing investment-friendly infrastructure.

In this regard, the minister said CRCC’s international experience, technical expertise and investment capacity could make significant contributions to implementing Bangladesh’s development plans.

He urged the Chinese corporation to pursue long-term investment and expand its partnership in Bangladesh, according to a press release issued by the Shipping Ministry.

The CRCC chairman reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuing its cooperation in Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.

He highlighted CRCC’s ongoing engagement in the country’s road, railway and maritime infrastructure sectors and expressed interest in expanding its investment and operations in the future.

The chairman also expressed the company’s willingness to share its global experience in infrastructure development, project management and integrated connectivity with Bangladesh.

The meeting discussed in detail the modernisation and expansion of Mongla Port, development of the proposed Mongla Port Economic Park, construction of strategic highways and bridges, improvement of railway connectivity and potential investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

Both sides agreed to explore new areas of cooperation to enhance the capacity of Bangladesh’s ports and connectivity infrastructure, expand international trade, attract investment and accelerate overall economic growth.

The secretaries of the Shipping Ministry, Road Transport and Highways Division, Bridges Division and Railway Ministry, along with other senior officials concerned, attended the meeting.

The two sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China and advancing their long-term partnership through infrastructure development and investment cooperation.