Adviser for Shipping and Labour and Employment, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, has invited Singapore to invest in Bangladesh’s growing shipping industry, particularly in port infrastructure and shipyard development.
The adviser made the call during a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Acting Transport Minister, Jeffrey Siow , on Tuesday (July 15) in Singapore.
The discussion was part of ongoing efforts to deepen economic cooperation between the two nations.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Shipping, Sakhawat highlighted that Bangladesh now offers a favourable investment climate in the shipping sector, with transparent and open procedures in place.
He noted that Singapore, a global leader in port management and maritime logistics , could play a pivotal role in developing Bangladesh's strategic maritime assets, including modern ports, container terminals, and shipyards – particularly at the upcoming Matarbari Deep Sea Port .
Sakhawat also briefed the Singaporean minister on key shipping sector initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government, and sought collaboration in technology transfer, port infrastructure development, and operational expertise .
He emphasised Singapore’s world-class experience in port construction and management, and urged Singaporean investors to consider opportunities in Mongla Port modernisation, Chattogram Port expansion, and shipyard development .
The Adviser noted that the World Bank has approved a $650 million loan for the Bay Terminal expansion project at Chattogram Port.
Once completed, it is expected to significantly boost Bangladesh’s trade competitiveness by reducing import-export costs through improved port efficiency.
He expressed optimism that an agreement with PSA Singapore for the construction of a container terminal at Bay Terminal will be finalized by October this year. He also requested Singapore to establish an international-standard shipyard or dockyard in Bangladesh, particularly at Matarbari.
In addition, Sakhawat urged the Singapore government to provide employment opportunities for skilled Bangladeshi seafarers trained at local marine academies and called for the issuance of transit visas for Bangladeshi seafarers working aboard international vessels.
Jeffrey Siow responded positively, assuring support for the visa issue and expressing interest in expanding maritime cooperation.
Bangladesh, which has announced its candidacy for the IMO Council Category C (2026–2027), also sought Singapore’s endorsement in the upcoming elections.
Senior officials from both countries attended the meeting, reflecting the deepening engagement between Dhaka and Singapore in the maritime domain.