US envoy Christensen lauds Chittagong Port reforms, pledges support for modernisation

US Ambassador Brent Christensen has praised reforms at Chittagong Port and pledged cooperation to modernise the facility.

Christensen led a delegation to the port on Monday, where its Chairman Rear Admiral Sayed Mohammad Moniruzzaman outlined progress made under the interim government since the July Uprising.

He said reforms had tackled irregularities, labour unrest, pressure group dominance, fire hazards and delays in digitalisation.

“These measures have improved handling records, reduced ship turnaround and dwell times, expanded port capacity, boosted profits, and accelerated projects such as the Patenga ICT, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal and Matarbari deep sea port,” Moniruzzaman said.

He added that once the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Port are operational, Chattogram will connect directly with global ports and facilitate regional trade, positioning Bangladesh as a South Asian maritime hub.

The chairman also welcomed US interest in establishing a cold chain industry at the port for storing imported refrigerated containers.

A port statement said Ambassador Christensen expressed satisfaction with operations and assured the port authority cooperation to make Chittagong Port more efficient, modern and world class.

The delegation included Economic Unit chief Michael Pennell, Commercial Counsellor Paul Frost and senior port officials.