Mongla Port, located in Bangladesh, is the country’s second-largest seaport and is increasingly becoming a focal point for international trade and strategic interests, particularly those of China and India.
China’s Involvement in Mongla Port:
– China has significantly ramped up its involvement in the development and modernization of Mongla Port. This is part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its strategy to enhance its maritime influence in the Indian Ocean region. Key aspects of China’s involvement include:
– Financial Investment: China has pledged substantial loans and investments for the modernization and expansion of Mongla Port facilities. This includes a concessional loan of around $400 million (or Tk 35.92 billion) for a major infrastructure development project.
– Infrastructure Development: The China-funded project, “Expansion and Development of Mongla Port Facilities,” aims to transform Mongla into a regional hub. This includes:
Construction of two new container jetties, each 368 meters long.
Development of a modern container terminal, delivery yard, and multi-storied car yard.
Implementation of a sunken wreck removal system.
Improvement of the main road and sheet piling works.
Equipping the port with modern cargo handling equipment, including Bangladesh’s first unmanned crane system for cargo unloading.
Increased Capacity: Once implemented, the project is expected to significantly boost Mongla Port’s annual cargo handling capacity to 15 million tonnes and its container handling capacity from 150,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 400,000 TEUs. This will improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and facilitate smoother import-export activities.
Strategic Importance: China views Mongla Port as a critical gateway for Bangladesh’s international trade and a means to deepen economic and commercial ties. There’s also an interest from China to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mongla to attract Chinese manufacturing companies.
Competition with India: China’s increasing involvement in Mongla Port and other infrastructure projects in Bangladesh has led to a perceived competition with India, which also has significant interests and investments in Bangladesh’s port sector. Reports indicate that China is actively seeking to take over India-funded port projects, including the project management consultancy for Mongla.
Current Status of Mongla Port:
Mongla Port is actively handling various types of vessels, including container ships, general cargo ships, LPG tankers, and bulk carriers. Its importance has grown considerably with improved connectivity, particularly after the opening of the Padma Bridge, which has linked the port more directly to the capital, Dhaka, and the country’s railway network.
The China-backed development project is crucial for Mongla’s future, aiming to enhance its operational capacity and strategic position in the region. However, there have been some delays and geopolitical considerations influencing the progress of projects, with the recent interim government in Bangladesh reportedly reassessing foreign-funded projects.
