Finance Minister AMA Muhith said Japan is “very much interested” to build the proposed deep seaport at Matarbari in Moheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar.
After Japan’s interest, China has decided not to compete with Japan in bidding process for the work.
“China is not now interested in the project as Japan has shown the interest. The Chinese authorities do not want to take part in the bidding race against Japan,” finance minister told reporters yesterday after a meeting with Chinese ambassador in Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang.
Muhith said the ambassador was “happy since they got the construction work of Padma bridge and are looking for investment opportunities in Bangladesh telecommunication sector.”
“The winning of Karnaphuli tunnel construction work has also made them satisfied,” he added.
Muhith said the government had already submitted 15-point proposals to the Chinese authorities about financing the projects.
He said China had been asked to reduce the proposed interest rates as they were higher compared to other development partners.
He also financial offers should be placed first rather than technological offers for the Chinese development projects.
“The ambassador (of China) said he would discuss the matter with the Chinese government high-ups,” Muhith said.
In February, chief executive officer of Deep Seaport Cell Captain Shariful Ahsan along with then secretary of Prime Minister’s Office visited Matarbari to get an idea whether the area can be selected for the proposed project.
During the visit, they also checked the land records of the site.
In January, the PMO decided to examine the possibility of selecting Matarbari as an alternative site for the much-talked-about deep seaport project. Earlier, Sonadia in the same district was selected as the site for the port.
