The interim government has initiated discussions with several foreign companies for operating the Chattogram seaport and investing in the port’s capacity expansion – as part of plans to boost the country’s export potentials.

The government wants to appoint the selected foreign company or companies by September, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a press conference on Thursday. Domestic companies, having adequate expertise and capital, can also apply for running the port, it was said at the press briefing.

Foreign operators will also be considered for running the under-construction Matarbari port in the Chattogram division, and for improving the region’s inland logistics, he added.

Shafiqul Alam said, "If we want to take Bangladesh's economy to new heights, there is no alternative to increasing the efficiency of the port.

"We want to give the responsibility of the port to the world's top companies that have experience and qualification in handling large ports across the globe. And the interim government wants to do that by next September."

"Companies with experience operating 50, 60, even 90 ports worldwide are under consideration. No company without a proven track record will be given responsibility," he said.

"Domestic companies do not have the capacity for large investments. Discussions are being held with globally established firms. Billions of dollars in investment will come."

However, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder noted that local companies are not excluded.

"If any domestic company believes they are qualified, they are welcome to approach the government with their proposal," he said.

Chief Adviser Prof Yunus has set a key goal of transforming the Chattogram region into a major manufacturing hub, not only for Bangladesh but also for the wider region of 30 to 40 crore people.