DHAKA, Dec 4, 2024 (BSS) - Shipping, Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain today said the construction of the country's only deep sea port Matarbari with the assistance of Japan will add a new dimension in the economy of the country.

"The construction of the country's only deep seaport with the Japanese financial and technical assistance would include a new dimension in economy and also flourish the export import business of the country", said the adviser.

The adviser made this comment while Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori called on him at his ministry office in the secretariat here, said a press release here today.

The construction of the deep sea port is going on in full swing, said the adviser, adding that after completion of the first phase work, Matarbari Deep Seaport Authority will be formed aiming to expedite the works of the port.

The adviser also expected that the commercial operation of the Matarbari Deep Seaport would start from 2030.

Noting the importance of the deep seaport, Dr M Sakhawat said the deep sea port will not only create a regional linkage, but its location is also strategically and geo-politically very much important.

"As such, the master plan of the Matarbari deep seaport will be restructured", the adviser added.

Terming Bangladesh's relations with Japan as multidimensional, the shipping adviser said Japan is playing impeccable role in eco-social development of Bangladesh."Bangladesh -Japan both the countries are continuously maintaining warm friendly relations for long", the adviser added.

Referring to Bangladesh as a friendly country, the Japanese envoy said Japan played a crucial role in Bangladesh's overall socio-economic development in the last fifty years

Reiterating the pledge to stay beside Bangladesh, the Japanese high commissioner said "Japan is firm to take forward the construction activities of Matarbari deep sea port."