DHAKA, Oct 30, 2024 (BSS) - Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain today said the government would formulate "National Maritime Port Strategy (NMPS)" for an effective and sustainable port management to attract more domestic and foreign investments.

"The government will formulate 'National Maritime Port Strategy' for ensuring an effective and sustainable port management to attract more domestic and foreign investment in our maritime sector," he said.

Sakhawat Hussain, also adviser of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, said this at a review meeting on the progress of the activities of Chittagong Port Authority, Mongla Port Authority, Payra Port Authority, Land Port Authority, BIWTC, BIWTA and Department of Shipping at the meeting room of the Ministry of Shipping, said a press release.

He said "An integrated, strong and modern port structure will be developed through this strategy paper."

The adviser also said that maritime single window will be introduced to bring all port centric services on one platform where businesses are expected to get hassle-free service in the shortest time.

He expressed his optimism for starting a new chapter in the country's maritime sector by formulating this NMPS.

He issued directives to form a committee in this regard to prepare and submit a strategy paper at the earliest.

The shipping adviser emphasized on the proper management of all the activities of the seaports and inland-river ports by linking the land ports in parallel with this strategy.

He said the maritime sector has been playing a very important role in the economic development of Bangladesh, mentioning that the port-centric business and trade, as well as import-export are contributing widely to the country's GDP.

He, however, said that unfortunately, even in the last fifty years, no integrated port management strategy paper has been formulated in Bangladesh.

Modern and smart port management is the demand of time in Bangladesh, like in the developed world, he added.

"Famous ports of the world are now managing their operations through digitalization, and that is why there are more and more foreign investments," he said.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Shipping Secretary (in-charge) Delwara Begum along with officials concerned were present.