DHAKA: Saudi developer Red Sea Gateway Terminal, which last year started operations at Bangladesh’s largest port, plans further expansion as it already facilitates about 10 percent of the country’s imports and exports.

Chittagong Port is the busiest container port on the Bay of Bengal. Last year, it handled about 3.3 million TEU, or 20-foot equivalent units, serving as the main gateway for Bangladesh’s ocean cargo import and export.

RSGT, which in June last year started operations at Chittagong’s Patenga Container Terminal, is the first foreign company operating Bangladeshi ports.

According to its agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority, RSGT will run the terminal for the next 22 years.

“RSGT Chittagong operates 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted service for the trade community … Our operations facilitate around 10 percent of Bangladesh’s total imports and exports,” Erwin Haaze, CEO of RSGT Bangladesh, told Arab News on Monday.

“We manage all containerized shipments passing through Patenga Terminal efficiently, facilitating smooth trade for a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing to retail.”

The company is steadily increasing the terminal’s output and is expected to have a maximum annual capacity of 600,000 TEU.

It also plans to more than double its permanent workforce.

“RSGT has plans to invest approximately $170 million in the RSGT Terminal. This investment has already created more than 300 permanent jobs, which are expected to increase to more than 700 when in full operation,” Haaze said.

“Regarding indirect employment, RSGT Chittagong is committed to growing with the community and has engaged with many local vendors to participate in different tasks in RSGT Chittagong. With further expansions, we anticipate generating even more job opportunities in the coming years.”

Following the success of the Patenga Terminal, Saudi investors are exploring more opportunities in port-related sectors in Bangladesh, including the Matarbari Port — the country’s first deep-sea port, which the government wants to build some 120 km south of the Chittagong Port.

Saudi Ambassador to Dhaka Essa Al-Duhailan told Arab News that talks with the relevant authorities were already underway.

“The investment in Chottogram (Chittagong) Bay Terminal is between $300 million and $400 million, and the other one (Matarbari Deep Sea Port) will be maybe $700 million to $800 million,” he said.

“The intention is there, and the willingness is there. The excellent performance of the Saudi company, Red Sea Gateway, is already shown to the Bangladeshis and they are satisfied … The experience is encouraging so far.”