The Netherlands has expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh for the development and modernisation of Chattogram Port Authority, particularly in the areas of green port implementation, sustainable transport, and maritime logistics.
A high-level delegation led by Koos Dijkstra, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Netherlands, visited the port authority on Monday and held a courtesy meeting with Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, Member (Harbour and Marine) of the port authority.
During the meeting, both sides discussed a wide range of issues related to port and maritime cooperation, including sustainable transportation systems, logistics development, and prospects for strengthening bilateral partnerships between the two countries.
The discussions particularly emphasised the development of the Laldia Container Terminal, port digitalisation, enhancement of port capacity, integrated services, shipbuilding, marine ecosystem development, and the implementation of green port initiatives.
Future port expansion plans, hinterland connectivity, and carbon emission reduction strategies also featured prominently in the talks.
Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah briefed the delegation on the ongoing development and modernisation activities at Chattogram Port, its expansion plans, and the port’s growing strategic importance in international trade and regional connectivity.
He also sought cooperation from the Dutch government in advancing maritime education in Bangladesh, developing skilled manpower, and arranging advanced training programmes in maritime operations and ship repair.
In response, the Netherlands delegation assured continued support through technical assistance, knowledge sharing, sustainable infrastructure development, and future collaboration in Bangladesh’s port and maritime sectors.
Following the meeting, port authority officials delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the port’s operational activities, ongoing development projects, capacity enhancement measures, and modernisation efforts.
The delegation later visited different operational areas of the port and expressed appreciation for the overall management and activities of the country’s premier seaport.
Among those present during the visit were Md Mahbub Alam Talukder, Member (Finance) of the port authority, Commodore Md Mazharul Islam Jewel, Member (Engineering), along with senior officials including the Director (Transport), Director (Administration), Harbour Master, and Chief Hydrographer.
The delegation also included Harrie de Leijer and Richard van Liere, partners and experts of Dutch logistics and sustainable transport consultancy firm Nestra BV, specialising in multimodal transport, inland waterways, and port-hinterland connectivity.
