Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram City

A trade delegation from Singapore has initiated efforts to identify major investment opportunities in Chattogram, including the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Seaport.

The delegation recently toured key locations in Chattogram and Cox's Bazar to evaluate potential sectors for investment.

Sources revealed that Singapore is aiming to make substantial investments in Bangladesh, with the Singapore Port Authority (PSA) already exploring avenues to invest in Chattogram’s Bay Terminal. Business leaders and industrialists from Singapore have also expressed interest in various sectors of Bangladesh. In line with this, both nations are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to bolster trade and investment ties.

Last week, the Singaporean delegation visited both the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Seaport. A senior official from the Chattogram Port Authority stated that while the primary port infrastructure at Matarbari is being developed with Japanese assistance, there are opportunities for Singapore to invest in port-related businesses and the shipping industry.

Shipping experts noted that Singapore currently serves as a key transshipment hub for Bangladeshi cargo. With the operationalization of Matarbari, larger vessels could directly dock at the port, reducing dependency on Singapore and similar ports. The Singaporean delegation is expected to draft a roadmap for their future investments based on their findings.

Captain Faruk, the delegation's coordinator in Bangladesh, stated that the team has assessed various sectors for potential investments. Meanwhile, Chattogram Port Secretary Omar Faruk described the visit as a routine process to explore collaborative opportunities.