Singapore proposes Bay Terminal at Ctg Port: Shama

Singapore has proposed constructing a Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port, with preliminary discussions already held between the two sides, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Thursday.

She disclosed the matter while speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after returning from a visit to Singapore.

Shama said the visit resulted in productive discussions on increasing the export of skilled Bangladeshi workers to Singapore, reducing the trade deficit and attracting investment in major projects.

She said around 150,000 to 200,000 Bangladeshis are currently working in various professions in Singapore. During her visit, she held an important meeting with Singapore’s labour minister on increasing the number of skilled Bangladeshi workers employed in the country.

She also held bilateral talks with Singapore’s foreign minister, focusing on ways to increase Bangladesh’s exports to Singapore and reduce the trade deficit between the two countries.

“Building on our longstanding and strong relationship, the Singapore government has proposed constructing a Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port. Preliminary discussions have been held on the proposal,” she said.

The state minister also visited a modern project in Singapore that produces energy from waste.

Asked about Bangladesh-Japan relations, Shama said a foreign office consultation between the two countries had recently been held in the presence of Japan’s senior vice-minister.

She described Japan as one of Bangladesh’s major development partners, noting its involvement in several major projects, including the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the Matarbari project.

Shama also said the Japanese prime minister had invited Bangladesh’s prime minister to visit Japan. Likewise, the Bangladesh government had invited the Japanese prime minister to visit Dhaka.