Calling Ctg Port agreement a ‘sell-out’ is baseless: Commerce Minister
businessnews24bd.com
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Friday said the agreement on the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port was aimed at increasing the terminal’s capacity and efficiency.
He said the agreement was for a fixed term, after which Bangladesh could either renew it or end it.
Describing the deal as “selling out the country” was a cheap and baseless claim, he added.
The minister made the remarks while responding to journalists after an exchange meeting and a grant distribution ceremony organised by Sylhet City Corporation to mark Durga Puja.
The responsibility for operating the NCT, the largest terminal at Chattogram Port, has been given to Dubai-based global terminal operator DP World.
The 15-year concession agreement was formally signed on Thursday, drawing criticism from various quarters.
Replying to questions from journalists, Muktadir said Bangladesh must make its production and export costs competitive with those of other countries to attract foreign investment and new investment from domestic entrepreneurs.
“If the government cannot make Bangladesh competitive in the global market, how can it attract investment?” he asked.
He said the government wanted to improve efficiency at Chattogram Port to achieve this goal, adding that the agreement was signed specifically to improve the country’s operational efficiency.
Muktadir assured that no one currently working at the port would lose their job.
He said improved efficiency would bring greater benefits to workers, including higher remuneration than they currently receive.
