Photo: Messenger
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman rear admiral SM Moniruzzaman on Tuesday said that a new trade horizon was established between Bangladesh and Pakistan, with the arrival of the Panama-flagged vessel Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan from Karachi to Chattogram port recently. This marks a significant milestone in bilateral trade between the two nations.
Addressing a press conference at the Shaheed Mohammad Fazlul Rahman Munshi Auditorium on Tuesday, the CPA chairman said "This is the first time a liner service has been initiated between Karachi and Chattogram, with the Panama-flagged MV Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan, operated by HR Shipping Line, making the inaugural voyage."
The CPA chairman expressed optimism that with increased demand for import containers on this route, shipping lines would be more inclined to operate regular services between the two countries. This would lead to cost-effective and timely trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
"The Chattogram port's revenue has increased by 21.85% in the first four months of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year. The container handling capacity has also seen a significant increase of 9.016% during the same period. A one-stop service center is set to be launched in January," said rear admiral SM Moniruzzaman.
The CPA chairman also mentioned that the average waiting time for vessels was reduced to just one day through various procedural improvements. Dangerous cargo containers have been removed from the port, and efforts are underway to dispose of old containers.
Regarding terminal development, the chairman informed that the process of handing over the designated 500.70 acres of land for the Bay Terminal project has been completed. A partnership with PSA Singapore and DP World has been formed for the construction of Container Terminal-1 and Container Terminal-2 at the Bay Terminal.
CPA board member (admin and planning) Md Habibur Rahman, member (harbour and marine) commodore M Fazlar Rahman, member (finance) Mohammad Shahidul Alam, member (engineering) commodore Kaosar Rashid, secretary Mohd Omar Faruk, among others, were present at the press conference.
Messenger/Shakhawat/SK/EHM
