Policy decision likely soon on deep-sea port construction

Syful Islam | Published: April 23, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00

Policy makers concerned would take a decision soon on the construction of the much-talked-about deep-sea port at Sonadia in Cox's Bazar, official sources said.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has asked the ministry of shipping (MoS) to send a comprehensive report on an urgent basis. The PMO suggested the MoS to give the details of the proposals that the latter has so far received on the deep-sea port construction, they added.
"We are preparing a report highlighting the important activities that have taken place so far centring the construction of the proposed port," a senior MoS official told the FE.
He said it seems that the government will soon take a policy decision regarding construction of the port involving several foreign public and private sector companies.
Sources said the MoS early this month made a power point presentation at the PMO while reviewing proposals of UAE based DP World, and governments of China and the Netherlands.
The presentation highlighted the necessity of the port construction, location of planned and already constructed deep-sea ports of neighbouring countries, the steps taken so far regarding the deep-sea port construction in Sonadia, and the proposals received so far regarding funding and construction of the port.
The meeting, presided over by principal secretary to the PMO Abdus Sobhan Sikder, opined that the construction of the ports needed to be started soon considering its importance. The meeting also opined that a policy level decision regarding starting construction of the proposed port needed to be taken immediately.
A senior MoS official told the FE that Japanese firm Pacific Consultant International (PCI) had conducted a feasibility study for construction of the proposed deep-sea port in 2006.
He said the government is considering the formation of a consortium to fund construction of the deep-sea port instead of depending on one single funding source.
The official also said at first the Dutch government expressed interest to invest in the port as a single country. But, as the GoB planned to form a consortium for the port funding, the Dutch government is also interested to join there.
Apart from the Netherlands countries including China, Germany, India, Denmark, South Korea, and the UAE have also expressed interest to invest in construction of the port.
Officials said Bangladesh's ports have become very important for connectivity of South Asian region; thus many are interested to invest here for good and quick return.
The country's two sea ports - Chittagong and Mongla - are likely to see a good rise in container handling once neighbouring India is granted transit and transhipment facility for carrying cargoes to its 'seven sisters'.
Â Alongside India, other countries like Nepal and Bhutan are also interested to enjoy the similar facility for facilitating their external trade.
According to the feasibility study report carried by the PCI the seaport at the first stage will have five international standard jetties with the capacity to handle a total of 704.01 million tonnes of containers a year. The construction cost was then estimated at Tk 600 billion.