The master plan for the construction of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port is set to be restructured, Shipping, Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said today (4 December).
The adviser shared the information during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori at his office in the Secretariat this morning, said a press release.
During the meeting, Sakhawat Hossain highlighted the strong multi-dimensional relationship between Bangladesh and Japan.
He noted that Bangladesh’s first and only deep-sea port – the Matarbari Deep Sea Port – is being developed with financial and technical assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Following the completion of its first phase, he said the Matarbari Deep Sea Port Authority will be established to ensure the port’s efficient operation.
The advisor expressed optimism that the port would become operational by 2030.
Sakhawat emphasised the strategic and geopolitical significance of the port’s location, which will serve as a vital hub for regional connectivity.
He explained that the master plan is being restructured to reflect current regional and global challenges, particularly in terms of port security.
“Additionally, plans are underway to build an international-standard dockyard at Matarbari,” he added.
Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori was informed that the Bangladesh government has taken steps to draft a National Port Strategy, aiming to enhance coordination and efficiency across the country’s ports.
Adviser Sakhawat expressed hope that JICA would provide technical assistance in this initiative.
The advisor also briefed the ambassador on the government’s plans to form a high-level committee tasked with reviewing the environmental standards of the country’s shipbreaking industry.
This committee will conduct on-site inspections at ship recycling yards and submit recommendations to the government, he said.
Sakhawat also sought professional and technical support from Japan to advance the development of marine academies in Bangladesh.
At the meeting, Ambassador Kiminori reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh.
He highlighted Japan’s five-decade-long partnership with Bangladesh in various sectors, including education, health, human resources, and infrastructure.
The ambassador mentioned that Japanese volunteers are actively engaged in service initiatives in Bangladesh’s remote areas.
He affirmed JICA’s dedication to advancing the Matarbari Deep Sea Port project and expressed interest in collaborating on Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry.
Senior officials from both the Japanese Embassy and the Ministry of Shipping were present at the meeting.
