Netherlands Pledges Technical Support for Chittagong Port Development

The Netherlands has committed to providing technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and sustainable infrastructure support to bolster Bangladesh’s maritime sector.

This assurance came during a visit by a high-level Dutch delegation, led by Charge d'Affaires Koos Dijkstra, to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) on Tuesday. The delegation held a formal meeting with Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, CPA Member (Harbor and Marine).

Discussions focused on port digitalization, the development of the Laldia Container Terminal, and enhancing logistics. Key priorities included the implementation of "green port" initiatives, shipbuilding, carbon emission mitigation, and improving hinterland connectivity.

Commodore Abdullah briefed the delegation on the port’s strategic role in international trade and its ongoing modernization projects. He specifically requested Dutch cooperation in advancing maritime education, ship repair expertise, and high-level training programs to build a skilled local workforce.

The visit concluded with a technical presentation on CPA’s expansion plans and a field inspection of the port’s operational activities. Senior CPA officials and experts from Nestra B.V., a Dutch firm specializing in sustainable logistics, were also in attendance.