The planning minister has told a CCCI seminar that infrastructure projects being implemented in the Chittagong region now total over $7 billion. Four new economic zones, the Karnaphuli tunnel, an LNG terminal, and a new rail link to Cox’s Bazar feature among some 58 different projects which promise to boost economic growth in the area. It is vital that these projects are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner to ensure they help to bring forth and speed up progress on larger national goals. Key among these is the development of a new deep sea port in the south eastern region of the country. This is essential for more efficient handling of cargoes and to allow Chittagong port to meet the needs of our expanding economy. It is also critical to enabling Bangladesh to maximise benefits from initiatives to improve regional connectivity via the BCIM corridor and Bimstec. Chittagong’s geographical location at the crossroads between the economies of ASEAN and SAARC gives it huge potential to develop as a major hub for international trade. Connectivity is key to maximising the opportunities offered by Chittagong’s location. Building and improving faster rail and road links Dhaka and Chittagong needs to be higher on the agenda of the government. There is a strong case to follow up on Chinese offers to build a new, modern train link between the two cities to help them form a stronger hub for our manufacturing and export industries to develop and expand. Likewise, the government should also act to secure international support and funding for the proposal to build road connectivity from Chittagong to Kunming in south-west China, via Cox’s Bazar and Myanmar. The whole country can benefit from a new vision to increase investment in developing Chittagong as a key global hub for commerce and trade.
