CHATTOGRAM, Feb 6, 2022 (BSS) - Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said that Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) in Chattogram will begin its operational activities in June this year.

The CPA Chairman hoped that it will be possible to handle 145 million TEUS containers per year after opening of the terminal.

He disclosed this while exchanging views with Charles Steward Whiteley, European Ambassador to Bangladesh, Enrico Nunziata, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh and BGMEA leaders in the conference room of CPA Building this noon.

M Shahjahan said that the CPA authority has continued its development activities even during the critical period of Corona epidemic.

“Many of our officers and employees have died of coronary. Even then, the port authority is determined to continue its activities in the face of adversity. At present the port has the capacity to hold 50,000 TEUS containers. But now there are 39,000 TEUS containers,” he added.

He mentioned that there is no container congregation in the port now.   

 The Port chairman said that the capacity of the port to hold containers as well as the working capacity will be increased more after opening of Bay Terminal and PCT.
 
Speaking on the occasion Nunziata, Ambassador of Italy said that there is immense potential for trade and commerce in Bangladesh.

Saying that Bangladeshi made garments are popular in Europe Nunziata said that it is created a great opportunity for trade expansion between the two countries after launching of the ship on Chattogram-Italy route.

“I think trade as well as good relations between the two countries will be further strengthened,” he added.

EU Ambassador Steward Whiteley said that the garments products carrying ship has launched in Chattogram-Italy route, for the first time which I think it will create a conducive business environment between both countries.
 
“Bangladesh's garment sector is appreciated by everyone. We have all suffered because of Corona, all the importers and exporters in the garment sector have also suffered.  Bangladesh government has undertaken many mega projects for the development of its economy. Bangladesh will go further, will be stronger economically. We are delighted and proud to be a commercial partner with the country,” he added.
 
BGMEA President Farooq Hasan, BGMEA delegation included its first vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam, vice-president Shahidullah Azim, vice-president (finance) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, vice-president Md. Nasir Uddin, vice-president Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, director. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, AM Shafiul Karim (Khokon), Md. Hasan (Jackie), M Ehsanul Haq and Mohammad Miraj-e-Mustafa (Kaiser), invited guests, senior port officials and media personnel among others attended the function.