New Year’s greetings! CPA News has been around for six years. This publication provides interested readers, including the worldwide port community and stakeholders, with the opportunity to stay informed on Bangladesh’s maritime sector. As it enters its seventh year, the publication pledges to raise awareness of the maritime sector among the general public by showcasing all domestic and international best practices regularly.
The importance of the Mongla port is growing as a result of development initiatives such as the Padma bridge, the Rampal coal-based power plant, and the construction of an economic zone in the country’s south-western region. Mongla is converting from a neglected port to an essential gateway for the country’s import-export trade, thanks to the government’s timely development plan and implementation. In this regard, the journey of Mongla port, which is currently undergoing necessary development, is highlighted in our lead article.
On 6 January 2019, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP assumed office as the Honourable State Minister in the Ministry of Shipping. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Shipping played an important role in keeping Bangladesh’s shipping and economy afloat, issuing necessary and far-reaching directives such as keeping seaports open 24/7. In this issue, he gave an exclusive interview to CPA News about his professional experience, as well as the challenges, opportunities and accomplishments of the shipping sector.
Bangladesh Navy has been tasked with the vital task of conducting maritime surveys, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is in charge of conducting inland water surveys. The country’s seaport authorities are also in charge of surveying the territories under their authority. The activities and cooperation of the country’s hydrographic organisations, as well as other river and sea users, was highlighted in the ‘Perspective’ section of this issue.
The Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, a regional economic corridor spearheaded by China, will facilitate regional connectivity. It is anticipated to open up new possibilities for Bangladesh’s economic development if it is approved. The BCIM Economic Corridor was highlighted in our article in the ‘Horizon’ section as a potential source of large employment opportunities and GDP growth for Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the ‘News Bytes’ section will keep you up to date on all key marine events and developments from the previous year’s final quarter.
We gratefully accept your useful reviews and suggestions for new ways to enhance this maritime publication. Thank you for being with us all along, and please continue to be with us.
Thank you so much.
