U.S. Ambassador Brent Christensen pledged cooperation to modernise Chittagong Port and welcomed U.S. interest in building a cold chain industry there to store imported refrigerated containers, the port authority said.
Christensen led a delegation to the facility on Monday, where chairman rear admiral Sayed Mohammad Moniruzzaman outlined reforms under the interim government since the July Uprising. He said changes targeted irregularities, labour unrest, pressure group dominance, fire hazards and delays in digitalisation.
The chairman said the overhaul has improved handling records, reduced ship turnaround and dwell times, expanded capacity and boosted profits, while accelerating projects including the Bay Terminal and Matarbari deep sea port.
A port statement said Christensen expressed satisfaction with operations and assured cooperation to make the port more efficient, modern and world class.