The Role of Chittagong Port Authority to Develop Other National Ports in Bangladesh to Provide Maritime Logistics Support in South Asia

Abstract

Chittagong Port is the principal seaport in Bangladesh that has contributed to the national economy with the opportunity to be a world-class regional port in South Asia. Cooperation among the three national ports Chittagong, Mongla and Payra is essential to do maritime logistics business in the region after serving the nation proudly. Here, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has the opportunity to help others in the process of port development for increasing efficiency and productivity by providing financial and technical assistance because of its financial and technical capabilities as a pioneer seaport in the port world. This paper examines the role of CPA to bolster and develop the underutilized Mongla Port and newly established Payra Port, where qualitative research methodology is applied to explore the ways, by which CPA can assist, link and integrate with others effectively, especially in developing the port infrastructure and inland transport networks. In addition, the research found the prospectus of Mongla and Payra to supply port services to the neighbors India, Nepal, and Bhutan as well as serve the South-West part of China with the aim of increasing regional connectivity and promoting international trade in those basically landlocked areas and countries of Asia.