Beijing: A meeting was held between Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain and China’s Exim Bank Vice President Yang Donging at the bank’s headquarters in Beijing yesterday. During the meeting, the Shipping Adviser emphasized the significance of the Expansion and Modernization of Mongla Port Project, aimed at increasing the port’s capacity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the strategic importance of Mongla Port in the regional geopolitical context, noting the current lack of a terminal jetty. The planned project, approved in February 2025, includes the construction of two terminal jetties, which are expected to significantly enhance the port’s capacity. While the financing for the Government of Bangladesh’s portion is secured, activities cannot commence until the Chinese side finalizes the loan agreement.
Sakhawat also discussed a project titled ‘Procurement of two crude oil tankers and two bulk carriers’ for the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), which involves China Government-to-Government cooperation and the organization’s own financing. This project is deemed crucial for increasing BSC’s capacity. He mentioned that the process of acquiring two additional ships is underway, with plans to purchase three more in the near future.
Exim Bank of China expressed a positive attitude towards the loan agreement for the Mongla Port project, indicating that necessary measures will be taken promptly in discussions with the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to finalize the loan agreement within the current year. Similarly, the loan agreement for BSC ship purchases is anticipated to be signed within this fiscal year and is part of the current procurement plan.
Vice President Yang Donging expressed interest in further investment in Bangladesh across various sectors, citing the favorable investment climate in the country. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, chairman of Mongla Port Authority, among others.