<div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said Chittagong Port Authority's Patenga Container Terminal Project is a beacon of hope for Bangladesh's economic uplift.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“This self-reliant modern terminal will enhance the capacity of our port, facilitate seamless trade, and create job opportunities and entrepreneurship,” she said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The prime minister said this while speaking at the Concession Agreement Signing Ceremony between Chittagong Port Authority and Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI) for operation of newly built ‘Patenga Container Terminal (PCT)’ on PPP-G2G basis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The sighing ceremony was held at Prime Minister Office witnessed by the PM and visiting Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hasina said that Patenga Container Terminal will act as a gateway to global trade, opening up new opportunities for the country's businesses to connect with the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“We look forward to a future where Patenga Container Terminal will become a driving force for economic growth and prosperity in Bangladesh,” she said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She said that this Concession Agreement is a testament to Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia’s joint vision and steadfast commitment to economic cooperation and prosperity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It will strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the field of trade and commerce,” she hoped.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She mentioned that Saudi Arabia is a friendly country to Bangladesh and its important development partner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She also said that the people of Bangladesh have deep respect and trust for the people of Saudi Arabia and always found Saudi Arabia close to their hearts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The prime minister said that Red Sea Gateway Terminals International is a reputed global terminal operator designated by the Saudi government.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“My sincere thanks and congratulations to the Saudi Government for appointing this terminal operator to operate the Patenga Container Terminal. This initiative of the Saudi authorities is undoubtedly a recognition of the ongoing development and economic potential of Bangladesh.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She said that RSGTI will operate the Patenga Container Terminal for the next 22 years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I hope that RSGTI, with its reputation for managing Jeddah port and other terminals, will manage the Patenga container terminal with its skills and technical know-how," said the PM.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By doing this, she said that Chittagong port operations will become more efficient and meet international standards.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Consequently, our economy will benefit from a significant decrease in import-export expenses," she said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She expressed gratitude to the Saudi government, especially to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, for their trust and cooperation with the government and people of Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, she thanked Saudi minister of investment and his delegation for their firm support in the implementation of this project.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Your commitment to the economic development of Bangladesh is deeply appreciated,” she told the Saudi minister.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She hoped that this agreement will help further increase Saudi investment in Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saudi Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Salman Fazlur Rahman, RSGT Chairman Aamer A. Alireza and State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury also spoke at the programme. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>