The morning mist has not yet dissipated from the Puse River, and in the deep channel of the Sundarbans mangrove forest, a cargo ship is slowly sailing towards Mongra Port. The shore crane lifts and lowers, and bags, grains, and machines flow in an orderly manner on the dock. This old port, which opened in 1950, is the second largest port in Bangladesh and an important gateway to the Bay of Bengal in southwestern Bangladesh. Now, it has a chance to change its destiny.

Recently, the loan agreement for the modernization and expansion project of Mongla Port facilities, supported by financing from the Export Import Bank of China, was officially signed, pressing the key to the revitalization of this old port.

New exam questions in Laogang

Mongla Port is located in the southwest of Bangladesh and has long been responsible for the import and export of goods in the hinterland and regional trade. However, the aging facilities and limited waterway conditions make it difficult for its throughput capacity to match the constantly growing trade demand with the level of modernization. With the sustained development of Bangladesh's economy and the expansion of its foreign trade territory, the urgency of renovation and expansion is becoming increasingly prominent. After the opening of the Padma Bridge, the land distance from Dhaka to Mongra Port has been shortened to about 170 kilometers, further enhancing the port's location advantage and making the upgrade and renovation more necessary and timely.

Financial vitality landing

This time, the active water of policy finance has been precisely poured into the front line of the port. The Export Import Bank has signed a loan agreement with Bangladesh to provide financing support for the modernization and expansion of Mongla Port facilities. The project focuses on improving the port's throughput capacity and modern operational level, covering the overall upgrade of terminal facilities, loading and unloading capacity, and supporting systems. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to work with the Bangladeshi side to promote the early commencement of the project, to build Mongla Port into a smart and exemplary port, and to fully leverage its important role in Bangladesh's export diversification strategy. Meng also expressed gratitude for the strong support provided by China and looks forward to the early commencement of the project construction.

From port to hub

The implementation of the project will significantly enhance the throughput capacity and modernization level of Mongla Port, promote regional economic and trade exchanges, drive industrial development, and inject new impetus into the economic and social development of Bangladesh. An upgraded port is not only a hub for cargo distribution, but also a link between southwestern Bangladesh and the world: it helps to improve trade facilitation, stabilize supply chains, create employment opportunities, and benefit people in surrounding areas.

For many years, the Export Import Bank has provided strong financial support in areas such as shipping, highways, railways, and power grids in Bangladesh. From the Karnaphuli River Tunnel to the Padma Bridge Railway Connection Line, from the Dhaka Airport Elevated Expressway to the nationwide basic network project, a series of landmark projects and livelihood projects have taken root, making positive contributions to promoting interconnectivity and upgrading the industrial chain between Bangladesh and Bangladesh.

In the future, the Export Import Bank will continue to leverage its own advantages and steadily promote the deepening and implementation of the construction of the China Bangladesh community of shared future in the new era. The story of Mongla Port will also turn a new page in the ebb and flow of tides.Editor/Yang Meiling