Netherlands keen to construct seaports in Chittagong

The Netherlands has shown its interest in construction of seaports in Chittagong and Paira in Patuakhali, reports BSS.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed this interest in a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly here on Monday.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM`s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the two leaders discussed various issues relating to mutual interests.

Sheikh Hasina said Paira area is very suitable for a deep seaport and the government is interested to start construction of the port as soon as possible.

The Bangladesh Premier said the Netherlands can cooperate with Bangladesh in the areas of river dredging, land reclamation, flood control and natural disaster management.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed progress in preparing the "Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100" which is being formulated in cooperation of the Dutch government.

Sheikh Hasina informed Mark Rutte that she would visit the Netherlands very soon.

The Dutch Premier highly appreciated Bangladesh`s impressive progress in socioeconomic field and efficiency in flood control.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Dipu Moni, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haq and Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Muhammad Belal were present.

Later in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Sheikh Hasina requested him to make more Japanese investment in the Special Economic Zone allocated for Japan.

The Japanese Prime Minister noted that the cooperation between the two countries has been enhanced further at bilateral and multilateral levels following his visit to Bangladesh.

Lauding Bangladesh`s progress in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), he said Bangladesh and Japan will work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The two Prime Ministers also discussed the progress of the mega projects being implemented in Bangladesh with the support of Japan.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Dipu Moni were present.