Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government will safeguard public interests, business opportunities and the national economy regardless of whether Chittagong Port is managed by domestic or foreign operators. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a news briefing after meeting Chittagong port and customs officials. He said the identity of the operator was less important than compliance with state interests and established policies.

The minister said the elected government has focused on stabilising a fragile economy after taking office so it can rapidly “take off.” He said the government aims to turn Bangladesh into a $1 trillion economy by 2034 through greater industrialisation, exports and employment, alongside measures to improve the ease of doing business.

He announced a decision to form a joint port-customs committee for the first time to identify and resolve longstanding importer and exporter problems within set timelines. The minister said this should speed cargo clearance, improve supply systems and ultimately help control prices or inflation. Business representatives called for simpler customs procedures and deregulation to reduce industrial costs, and he promised implementation. He also warned against political patronage and illegal influence over customs clearance.