Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated the country's first deep sea port channel and the foundation stone laying of the first terminal at Matarbari in Maheshkhali of Cox's Bazar district.
She inaugurated and laid the foundation stone at Matarbari in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar at 3:30 pm on Saturday (November 11).
It is expected that the extensive economic activity around this port will contribute 2-3 percent to the country's economy and GDP.
Those concerned with the project said that the urbanization in Matarbari Moheshkhali area centered on Matarbari port will turn the whole area into the ‘Singapore’ of South Asia. This port will play the role of a game changer for the country's economy. The port can accommodate 8,000 TEUS vessels at any given time.
Besides, shipping lines will enjoy considerable advantage in deploying ships. As a result, the cost of transportation of goods will be significantly reduced. Apart from this, an economic zone will be developed around the port in Matarbari, Maheshkhali area with extensive industrialization. As a result, massive employment will be created.
Operational activities of Matarbari deep sea port are scheduled to start in 2026. Matarbari Port will be a commercial hub. Chattogram port is the life line of the economy, Matarbari port will also be the life line of the parallel economy.
It is to be noted that the Matarbari port development project has been taken up at an estimated cost of Tk. 17,777,200,000 for the establishment of the country's first and only deep sea port. Matarbari terminal, if implemented, will be able to accommodate commercial vessels with a depth of 16 meters or more, which will act as a milestone in the country's economic progress.