CA calls for fast-tracking Matarbari infrastructure under MIDI
NN Online:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged swift progress in developing critical infrastructure in the Matarbari region, with the goal of turning it into Bangladesh’s leading manufacturing and export-driven free trade zone.
At a high-level meeting held Monday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, Professor Yunus reviewed the status of the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). The session was chaired by Principal Secretary Md. Siraj Uddin Miah and attended by SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, as well as senior officials from key ministries including Road Transport, Shipping, Energy, Power, and Local Government.
Sarwar Alam, Director General of the MIDI Cell, presented an update on ongoing projects under the initiative.
Highlighting the strategic value of Matarbari, Professor Yunus said, “We envision this region as Bangladesh’s largest hub for ports, logistics, manufacturing, and energy. To achieve this, we must rapidly build infrastructure and attract major foreign investment.”
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive master plan to facilitate international investments, noting growing interest from global stakeholders.
The Chief Adviser directed the Secretaries of Road Transport and Shipping to expedite road connectivity from Matarbari to other regions and develop terminals capable of handling large ocean-going vessels.
He also stressed the need for planned urban development in the area, including a purpose-built city to accommodate workers and support industries expected to flourish within the free trade zone.
Professor Yunus announced that the MIDI region’s development will be a key agenda during his upcoming official visit to Japan starting May 28. He is scheduled to attend the 30th Nikkei Future of Asia Conference in Tokyo and hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30 to seek support for priority projects.
The meeting also confirmed Japan’s intention to establish its second exclusive economic zone for Japanese investors in the MIDI region. The first zone, located in Araihazar, Narayanganj, has already attracted substantial foreign investment.
Several major international firms, including Saudi petrochemical leader Aramco, Abu Dhabi Ports, Red Sea Gateway (Saudi Arabia), Japanese energy company JERA, and Malaysian petrochemical company Petronas, have expressed interest in investing in the MIDI area.
Recently, Bangladesh signed an agreement with Japan’s Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd. and TOA Corporation to build the country’s first deep-sea port at Matarbari. Supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project is a flagship element of the MIDI initiative and is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and economic potential.
The MIDI program represents a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan to transform the Moheshkhali-Matarbari region into an integrated corridor for logistics, energy, and industrial development.