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Bangladesh is formulating a National Port Strategy to improve port management, enhance operational efficiency and expand international trade, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said on Sunday.
The strategy aims to serve the country’s broader national interests and economic development by improving coordination among seaports, river ports and land ports, he said.
The minister was speaking at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Shipping at a hotel in the capital.
“Much of Bangladesh’s import-export activities and economic operations depend on the management of seaports, river ports and land ports. Ensuring coordination, efficiency and an effective strategy for port management has therefore become essential,” he said.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam stressed that the strategy should be developed through consultations with all relevant ministries, port authorities, government agencies, businesses, importers, exporters and experts, rather than prioritising the interests of any single institution.
He said Bangladesh should have formulated an integrated port management strategy much earlier, given the expansion of its economy and trade. Improving port capacity, operational systems and coordination among authorities has become increasingly important, he added.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is assisting the initiative, with domestic and international experts expected to contribute their experience and recommendations to the strategy.
The minister said Bangladesh had opportunities to benefit from international investment and expertise in port operations. He cited growing engagement with global terminal operators, including DP World, Denmark’s AP Moller and Singapore’s PSA, as opportunities to improve efficiency.
However, he stressed the need to balance investment, commercial interests and national priorities through coordinated policies and long-term planning.
Port development should not be limited to infrastructure construction, he said, adding that terminal operations, container handling, cargo clearance, transport connectivity and customs services also needed better coordination.
An efficient port system would facilitate imports and exports while supporting transport, supply chains, businesses and entrepreneurs, he added.
The minister urged all stakeholders to work beyond narrow institutional interests and make the best use of their expertise to develop an effective national framework.
Shipping State Minister Md Rajib Ahsan said Bangladesh’s ports had a long history of supporting maritime transport, trade and economic activity. He stressed the need to identify existing limitations and develop practical solutions to make the ports more competitive internationally.
Improvements in management efficiency, coordination among stakeholders and long-term planning would be as important as infrastructure development, he said.
The seminar was attended by Shipping Secretary Zakaria, JICA Bangladesh Country Director Ms Takahashi, chairmen of various port authorities, representatives of relevant ministries and government agencies, university teachers and experts.