Country’s sea-borne trade is growing on average at 9.2 percent per annum. This trade is anticipated to continue or even accelerate in the foreseeable future. In 2020, the country’s total annual sea borne trade will be in the range of 70 to 80 million tones. The existing two ports will not be able to bear the future trade volumes. As such, new sea port will have to be operational by the end of present decade (2020) even if the Mongla and Chittagong ports are further developed.
Moreover, RMG sector is earning more than 25 billion dollars comprising 80 percent of export earning of Bangladesh. By the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh (In 2021), Bangladesh RMG sector is aiming to reach an export level of 50 billon. Besides, World Bank has declared Bangladesh as a lower middle income country which is a notable step forward in our endeavour to become a middle income country by 2021. So, this growing economy of Bangladesh is demanding a growth of its port infrastructure – both in capacity and number. The country’s central coastal zone is also demanding an extension of the country’s port facilities. The proposed solution to this is the development of the Payra Sea Port – a 3rd Sea port at Rabnabad channel in Patuakhali district.
Now, to implement the project, the government has taken a Short, Mid & Long term Plan to develop the proposed state-of-the-art sea port. As a short term plan, by 2018 operations of the port with at least 2.5 km terminal is set to begin. By the end of this year, operations of the port activities by off loading cargos from mother ships at outer anchorage and transported to the hinterlands through river routes. As a midterm plan, by 2023 the port will be fully operational with a minimum of 10 km container and bulk terminals with all other associated facilities. Finally, as a long term plan, the government has decided to establish EEZ, Airport, Port City, Dockyard and Shipyard, Eco-tourism and other relevant facilities and infrastructure centering the port.
The Payra Sea port is set to become the bustling player in our international seaborne trade. It has all the strategic, geographic and hydraulic benefits required. Partnering with the Payra Sea port means partnering with a better tomorrow for the country and docking safely into Bangladesh’s future.
