Bangladesh’s Matarbari deep sea port, which is expected to start operations in 2026, will transform Bangladesh into the gateway to South Asia.

This view was expressed by the country representative of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Yuji Ando recently during his interaction with the business leaders in the port city of Chittagong.

Addressing the meeting, participated by representatives from JETRO, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Japan Commerce and Industry Association in Dhaka, Yuji Ando claimed, Japan, which is implementing the port project, aims to “ensure a free Indo-Pacific where Bangladesh would be a major economic hub.”

The port, once operational, will be Bangladesh’s first deep seaport and the fourth seaport of the country.

The Matarbari port is expected to lessen the burden on Chittagong port, which so far handles the bulk of exports and imports, including the all-important garment shipments.