Visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Torkel Patterson has promised his government’s all-out support in modernising Chittagong Port and increasing US investment in Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ).

During a meeting with Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman AMM Shahadat Hossain and his colleagues at Bandar Bhaban yesterday morning, the US State Department functionary assured the CPA to help transform the port into a premium one in this region.

The port officials present apprised Patterson of the status of different development projects and future development plans of the CPA. After the meeting, ne visited some of the project sites and jetties at the port accompanied by CPA Member (Finance) Ahamad Abul Kashem, Member (Operations) Captain Quamrul Hossain and Member (Engineering) Lutfui Kabir.

The US deputy assistant secretary later went to the CEPZ and sat in a discussion with its managemcnL In the meeting CEPZ General Manager Ashraftil Haq Khan presented a paper detailing the significant features of the zone including the facilities it offers to investors and the prevailing Investment climate.

Patterson also visited the factory of Yongone Corporation of Korea at CEPZ and talked with some of the investors at the zone.

Ashraful Haq said the US high official was impressed with the congenial atmosphere and facilities investors enjoy at CEPZ and made a promise to work for increased US investment there.

Later, in the afternoon Patterson called on Prime Minister's Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury at his Goods Hill residence and held a meeting in the evening with the local leaders of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association.