STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Ctg

The Laldia Container Terminal, located on the upper estuary of Karnaphuli river, was inaugurated yesterday, increasing Chattogram port’s container storage capacity by more than 17 percent.

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain opened the terminal at Patenga of Chattogram, more than a decade after the project received the approval.

The new facility adds 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to the port’s storage capacity, which now stands at 66,000 TEUs, up from 56,000, according to port officials.

The adviser said the expansion would create new opportunities for trade and business.

Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to reduce vessel waiting times and further strengthen the country’s main maritime gateway.

Speaking to reporters, Brig Gen (Retd) Hussain said technology, investment and efficiency are crucial for improving Chattogram port’s operations.

The adviser said there is potential for $4 to $5 billion in investment around the port.

He also defended the interim government’s decision to appoint foreign operators to the port, saying the move would enhance both capacity and efficiency.

Major political parties have been opposing the government’s move of leasing out port terminals to foreign firms, citing concerns about national security and interest.