Xinhua News Agency, Dhaka, November 5 (Reporter Chen Dongshu) The Mongla Port facilities modernization and expansion project in Bangladesh, undertaken by China Civil Engineering Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation, held a groundbreaking ceremony on the 5th at Mongra Port in southwest Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman said in an on-site speech that the Mongla Port facility modernization and expansion project will further enhance the port's comprehensive service capabilities, reduce logistics costs, drive investment and employment, and promote economic development in southwestern Bangladesh.He said that the long-term friendship between Bangladesh and China is based on mutual respect and common development. The two sides have carried out pragmatic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure and trade. He expects Chinese companies to complete project construction with high standards and quality to promote the deepening of cooperation between the two countries.

China Railway Construction Chairman Dai Hegen said in his speech that China Railway Construction will adhere to green construction and localized cooperation, promote project construction with high quality, and help Mongla Port develop into a modern port hub connecting the Bay of Bengal and radiating to South Asia.

Song Yang, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, said that the project is an important result of China-Bangladesh pragmatic cooperation.After the completion of the project, it will further enhance the digitalization, modernization and professionalization level of Mongla Port, enhance the port's comprehensive service capabilities and operational efficiency, and make positive contributions to deepening China-Bangladesh infrastructure construction and economic and trade cooperation.

According to the project contractor, the renovation and expansion project mainly includes the construction of two new 20,000-ton container berths, supporting yards and auxiliary facilities, the purchase and installation of 49 sets of port machinery and equipment, etc. The project's designed annual container handling capacity is approximately 350,000 TEUs, and the contract period is 42 months.(End)