Dhaka, Lisbon to sign MoU to establish direct shipping links

Bangladesh and Portugal are working to connect the two countries through direct shipping links to create new prospects for fast, cost-effective and reliable shipping for the Bangladeshi exporters while sending regular consignments to Europe by sea.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam has expressed his satisfaction on the progress achieved towards signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Chittagong Port Authority and Leixoes Port Authority for the establishment of direct shipping link.

He also expressed satisfaction over the progress towards formation of a working group for the timely implementation of the MoU and assured his full support in this regard.

The state minister received the Leixoes Port Authority delegation, led by the President of its Board of Directors Nuno Araújo at the embassy during his current visit to Portugal.

He appraised the delegation on Bangladesh’s existing port infrastructure and its further development opportunities to meet the regional and international requirements.

The representatives of the Leixoes Port Authority explored technical issues related to establishing direct links between the ports and discussed the feasibility of the said freight route.

Later that day, the state minister met a business delegation from the “Business Association of the Lisbon Region” led by its Executive President Rui Jorge Rego.