Foreign firms to manage 3 major container terminals by Dec

Foreign operators are set to take over the management of three major container terminals in Bangladesh -- the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and Laldia Terminal in Chattogram, and the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal in Keraniganj -- by December this year, Shipping Secretary Mohammad Yousuf announced on Sunday.

He said the Laldia Terminal will be leased for 30 years, while contracts for the New Mooring and Pangaon terminals will run for 25 years.

“We will not compromise on national interests. Negotiations are ongoing at the highest level, and we hope to finalise the contracts by December,” Yousuf said at a seminar titled “Investment Potentials in the Ocean-Going Shipping Industry,” organised by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in Dhaka.

Earlier, the ministry had indicated that the agreements might be concluded by October. Explaining the delay, Yousuf said, “These involve foreign companies, and extensive negotiations are required. We have made significant progress and expect completion by December.”

Citing regional examples, he added, “Foreign operators manage ports in India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. If it works there, why should it be an issue here? Strategically and geographically, handing over Chattogram to foreign operators is manageable.”

The secretary highlighted potential benefits for businesses, noting that vessels currently pay about $15,000 per day in waiting charges as unloading takes three to four days. “Reducing that time by half will save significant costs for businesses and cut unnecessary expenses,” he said.

He also mentioned that port charges at Chattogram were revised this year for the first time since 1986. “The fees hadn’t been adjusted in nearly 40 years, so there’s no scope to reduce them now,” Yousuf said, adding that charges should ideally be reviewed every five years.

According to Yousuf, the new tariffs were based on a feasibility study. “Since international operators will also seek profit, lowering the charges is not an option, though the current rate is slightly high,” he said.

Bangladesh Ocean Going Ship Owners’ Association President Azam J. Chowdhury, attending as special guest, criticised the government’s decision to withdraw the tax exemption for the ocean-going shipping sector, which had been valid until 2030.

Presenting the keynote paper, Policy Research Institute (PRI) Chairman Dr. Zaidi Sattar said that, beyond garments, four to five sectors in Bangladesh already export over $1 billion annually.

He noted that the shipbuilding industry has similar potential if financial tools like bank guarantees and easier access to financing are ensured.

The seminar was chaired by ERF President Doulot Akter Mala and conducted by General Secretary Abul Kashem.