German Ambassador Visits Chittagong Port, Explores Bangladesh’s Maritime Progress and Green Vision

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Rüdiger Lotz, recently visited the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) during his trip to Chattogram, where he held a meeting with the Acting Chairman of the CPA, Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, to gain deeper insights into the operations and future vision of Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway.

The Chittagong Port Authority plays a critical role in the country’s economy, handling more than 90 percent of Bangladesh’s international trade. The port directly employs around 5,000 people and supports the livelihoods of more than 30,000 others indirectly through its extensive maritime and logistics network.

During the discussion, the CPA highlighted several major achievements made in recent years as part of its modernization and efficiency-enhancement efforts. These include the introduction of digital payment technology at the port’s entry gates, the successful elimination of waiting time at outer anchorage, and a clean audit with zero observations from the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) framework.

Officials also shared the authority’s ongoing plans focused on capacity-building, operational modernization, and environmentally sustainable “green port” initiatives aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s maritime competitiveness in the region.

The visit reflected the growing interest of international partners in Bangladesh’s expanding maritime sector and the continued efforts of the Chittagong Port Authority to transform the country’s largest seaport into a modern, efficient, and sustainable regional hub.