The government has embarked on the formulation of a 'National Maritime Port Strategy' to advance the country's maritime sector.
Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser of the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, informed the matter at a review meeting held at the Ministry of Shipping on Wednesday.
Sakhawat Hossain discussed the progress of various authorities and entities under his ministry, including Chattogram Port Authority, Mongla Port Authority, Payra Port Authority, Bangladesh Land Port Authority, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), and the Department of Shipping.
The adviser emphasised the significant role the maritime sector plays in country's economic growth, particularly through port-centred trade, imports, and exports, which have contributed substantially to the national GDP.
"It is regrettable that, even after 50 years, the country lacks a unified port management strategy," he said, noting that each port has historically operated independently, developing and implementing its own plans.
"However, like advanced nations, it is now time for Bangladesh to establish modern and smart port management practices," Sakhawat stated.
Major ports worldwide are increasingly utilising digitalisation to streamline operations and attract higher levels of foreign investment, he said.
Country's maritime sector, too, must adopt a more unified and sustainable port management approach to attract both domestic and international investment, he suggested.
The new 'National Maritime Port Strategy' aims to establish an integrated, robust, and modern port infrastructure, bringing all port-related services onto a single platform via a Maritime Single Window. This platform will provide traders with efficient and hassle-free service in minimal time.
Sakhawat Hossain expressed the hope that the National Maritime Port Strategy would usher in a new era for the country's maritime sector.
He directed the formation of a committee to expedite the preparation of the strategy and urged the committee to submit a draft in the shortest possible time.
The adviser also highlighted the need to align the country's land-ports with this strategy to streamline the operations of seaports and inland river ports.
He expressed optimism that the strategy would bring transformative changes to the maritime sector and recommended the involvement of experts and stakeholders in the strategy's preparation.
Additionally, Sakhawat Hossain suggested seeking technical assistance from the International Maritime Organization if needed.
The meeting included an in-depth discussion on the challenges facing the country's ports and potential solutions. Attendees reviewed the progress of various development projects implemented by different departments and agencies.
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