China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation recently hosted an open day event at Mongla Port in Bangladesh, showcasing their advanced trailing suction hopper dredger "Xin Zi Lang 5".  The event, started on Tuesday aimed to raise awareness about marine engineering and share technology with the local community. Over 400 people participated, including Mongla Port Authority officials, students, and teachers from Khulna University of Engineering and  Technology (KUET), and local primary and secondary schools.  Attendees were given tours of the dredger, learning about its operation and the importance of dredging projects in maintaining smooth waterway access for commercial vessels. The "Xin Zi Lang 5," one of the most advanced dredgers in Bangladesh, arrived in 2021 and has already removed over 2.4 million cubic meters of dredged sand, ensuring the navigability of the Pussur Channel for commercial vessels of the Mongla Port, Dr AKM Anisur Rahman, member (Engineering) chief guest of the programme said. Since 2018, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has played a significant role in maintaining Mongla Port. They've completed multiple dredging projects, ensuring smooth passage for commercial vessels, Sheikh Sowkat Ali, project director of the “Inner Bar Dredging of Mongla Port Channel’  said.  Students from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) were particularly excited about the event.  Asked about their impressions, students of KUET said they are excited to visit the largest and most advanced dredger working in the country. Professor Shahjahan from KUET also acknowledged CCECC for its commitment to knowledge sharing. He highlighted the company's ongoing support for academic forums and research collaborations at the university. “The event focused on CCECC's dedication to social responsibility in Bangladesh. They actively create job opportunities for local communities, participate in educational charity initiatives, and collaborate with universities on technological exchange programs” Steven Guo, project manager of CCECC said. Through proper business practices and social contributions, CCECC has earned a strong reputation in the Bangladesh market, Steven Guo, manager of the project said.  These efforts have made CCECC a responsible and valuable partner in Bangladesh's economic and social progress, he added.  

Pakistan’s recent restrictions on the transfer of goods have raised concerns among Afghan traders and freight forwarders in China. These restrictions have led to a substantial trade challenge, with 8,700 containers carrying commercial goods coming to a halt at the Karachi port. According to these businessmen, Pakistan imposes a fine of $200 for each container, resulting in significant financial losses for them. “If the containers are not allowed, we have no choice; we either go to the United Nations or the European Union to solve the issue,” Khan Agha Gulzad, head of the Afghan Merchants Union in China, said. Meanwhile, Afghan traders have called upon the Taliban administration to address the issue diplomatically. “We respectfully request the current administration of Afghanistan to resolve the issue via diplomatic and understanding means. [If it doesn’t happen] this is a very economic blow to Afghanistan’s national businessmen and people,” Zabihullah, a member of the Afghan Merchants Union in China, said. Furthermore, officials representing the Afghanistan-Pakistan joint chamber have expressed concern over imposing restrictions and creating barriers to transit goods. They argue that such actions counter established principles and commercial laws, emphasizing that such practices should be avoided to maintain smooth trade relations between the two countries. Concurrently, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) has proactively addressed the challenges posed by goods in transit with Pakistan. Recognizing the importance of resolving these issues promptly, the MoIC actively works to find solutions. “Unfortunately, what Pakistan is doing is against all international laws. Therefore, we work on alternative ways and reach the goal we have set for ourselves,” Abdulsalam Jawad Akhundzada, a spokesman for MoIC, said. Source: khaama.com

Indian Navy's Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir made its maiden foreign port call at Colombo in Sri Lanka on Thursday. In this regard, the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy took to Twitter and said," Indian Navy's Kalvari class submarine INS Vagir made her maiden foreign port call at Colombo in Sri Lanka. The submarine hosted Senior Sri Lankan dignitaries including the State Minister of Defence, Secretary of Defence and Commander of Sri Lanka Navy." INS 'Vagir' was on an operational visit to Colombo from June 19 to June 22. This visit is in commemoration of the 9th edition of the International Day of Yoga and aligns with the theme of 'Global Ocean Ring'. 

In the Bay of Bengal, strong cyclone 'Mocha' at sea is very rough near the center. It is gradually approaching the north-northeast coast of Bangladesh. Chattogram and Cox's Bazar seaports have been asked to show the emergency signal number 8.  However, Payra and Mongla seaports have been asked to show local warning signal number 4. The Meteorological Department's special notification said, "The coastal districts: Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Bhola and their nearby islands and chars will be under the danger signal number 8.  Due to the cyclone Mocha and the excess pressure difference, the coastal districts of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram and their nearby islands and low-lying areas of Chars may be inundated by wind-driven tides 8 to 12 feet higher than the normal tide. Due to the cyclone and excess pressure difference, the coastal districts of Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Barisal, Bhola and their nearby islands and chars may be inundated by wind driven tides 5 to 7 feet higher than the normal tide. According to the Meteorologist department notification, "Very strong cyclone 'Mocha', which is located in the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas, is moving in the north-northeast direction and is staying in the same area.  It was 930 km south-southwest of Chattogram seaport, 860 km south-southwest of Cox's Bazar seaport, 890 km south-southwest of Mongla seaport and 855 km south-southwest of Payra seaport at 6 pm today. From the evening of May 13, the frontal impact of strong cyclone 'Mocha' may begin in Cox's Bazar and adjoining coastal areas.  The maximum sustained wind speed is 140 km/h within 74 km of the cyclone center, increasing to 160 km/h in gust. The strong cyclone is likely to move further north-northeastward and intensify and cross the coast of Cox's Bazar-North Myanmar between 6 am and 6 pm on Sunday, May 14.  All fishing boats and trawlers in North Bay of Bengal have been asked to stay in safe area till further instructions.

Thousands of containers packed with essential food items, raw materials, and medical equipment have been held up at the Karachi port as the country undergoes a foreign exchange crisis, reported Pakistan-based The Express Tribune newspaper. Banks are refusing to issue new letters of credit for importers due to a shortage of dollars. This has hit the economy which is already suffering due to soaring inflation in the country. "I have been in the business for the past 40 years and I have not witnessed a worse time," said Abdul Majeed, an official with the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association, as quoted by The Express Tribune newspaper. Majeed was speaking from an office near Karachi port where containers packed with lentils, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment, and chemicals for manufacturing industries, are waiting for payment guarantees. Maqbool Ahmed Malik, chairman of the customs association said that: "We've got thousands of containers stranded at the port because of the shortage of dollars." He added that operations were down by at least 50 per cent. Pakistan State bank's forex reserves fell to less than USD six billion this week, the lowest in nine years. According to analysts, the reserves are enough to pay for around a month of imports. Amid the faltering economy and depreciating currency, the Pakistani rupee continued to lose its value against USD, falling to Rs 227.88 against the dollar in the interbank market, reported The Express Tribune. The fresh drop came after the government failed to make any headway in its talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the revival of its stalled USD 6.5 billion loan program. The domestic currency has cumulatively lost 4.42 per cent (Rs 10.09) of its value in the last three months, compared to Rs 217.79 in early October Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has tried to artificially control the rupee value in the interbank market, which was also one of the leading reasons behind the delay in the resumption of the IMF program. The lending institution has asked the government to let market forces (commercial banks) determine the rupee-dollar parity, reported The Express Tribune. The dwindling foreign exchange reserves have forced the government to curb imports, badly impacting economic activities in the country. A number of industrial units have either closed partially or completely amid the non-availability of imported raw materials. Source: ANI

The UK Royal Navy's offshore patrol vessel, HMS Tamar, sailed to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands today as part of its permanent deployment in the Indo-Pacific, the British High Commission in New Delhi said on Friday. "Over the next five days, the ship and her crew will undertake capability demonstrations and maritime exercises with the Indian Navy," the British High Commission (BHC) said in a statement. HMS Tamar is one of two Royal Navy vessels on permanent deployment in the Indo-Pacific, as set out in the UK's Integrated Review. The ship's visit to India is an opportunity to further strengthen the shared maritime domain awareness effort, and underlines the UK's and India's intent to collaborate in the Indian Ocean Region and wider Indo-Pacific. First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, said: "I am delighted that HMS Tamar is visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands this week. The opportunity to engage with the local community and conduct training and exercises with the Indian Navy is hugely valuable." "The work HMS Tamar and her crew are doing with allies, partners and friends across the Indo-Pacific is crucial. As threats to global peace and stability mount, the Royal Navy values deeply its relationship with the Indian Navy in a shared endeavour to confront those who challenge the rules-based system and ensure peace and prosperity on and from the sea," Admiral Key added. Acting British High Commissioner to India, Christina Scott, said: "HMS Tamar's deployment is the UK's Indo-Pacific tilt in action; its visit, further evidence of the importance we attach to our defence and security relationship with India." "The Indo-Pacific, and indeed India, will drive future growth and prosperity for the world. It is imperative that it remains free and open to all in support of trade, shared security and values," Scott added.

Contract Signing Ceremony For Project PMC Sercices For ‘Upgradation Of Mongla Port Project’ Being Financed Under GOI Concessional Lines Of Credit. The Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services contract for the ‘Upgradation of Mongla Port’ project was signed in Dhaka on 26 December 2022. The project is being financed under the Government of India concessional Line of Credit of USD 4.5 billion extended to the Government of Bangladesh.  The contract was signed between Mongla Port Authority and EGIS India Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd. The total project cost under Government of India concessional Line of Credit is USD 530 million of which PMC contract awarded to Egis India Consulting Engineers Ltd. is for USD 9.60 million. Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury MP, was the Chief Guest for the event. High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Mr. Pranay Verma and Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, attended the event as Special Guests.  High Commissioner Verma in his address highlighted that Bangladesh is India’s largest development partner, both in terms of value and number of projects. Nearly one fourth of India’s global development assistance is extended to various projects in Bangladesh, covering a variety of sectors. This robust development cooperation is a reflection of India’s commitment to partnering with Bangladesh in its journey towards greater growth and prosperity. He emphasised that various connectivity projects like the Mongla Port project, once completed, would have a transformational impact on not only India-Bangladesh economic relations but also on the economy of the entire sub-region.  Government of India has extended four concessional Lines of Credit to the Government of Bangladesh till date, worth USD 7.862 billion. Under the concessional loans, 42 projects have been taken up so far. Ofthese, 14 projects have already been completed and the remaining are in various stages of implementation. Over USD 2 billion worth of projects have been contracted and actual disbursements have crossed  USD 1 billion, significantly picking up pace despite the severe challenges presented by the pandemic.  The ‘Upgradation of Mongla Port’ project is the largest project in the Shipping/Ports sector which Government of India is financing under its concessional loans. The development of this port will strengthen maritime connectivity for Bangladesh, not just for the movement of goods with India but also with Bhutan and Nepal. India is also providing concessional financing for the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line project and the Khulna-Darsana rail line project and with the completion of these projects, Mongla Port would become the only port in Bangladesh with rail connectivity, making it a truly multi-modal hub and unlocking immense economic potential. 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting on Tuesday and underlined the need for better connectivity to unlock the economic potential. The 21st Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) was held on in a virtual format. The SCO CHG meeting focused on the trade and economic agenda of the Organization. "Represented India at the meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government which has just concluded. Underlined that we need better connectivity in the SCO region built on centrality of interests of Central Asian states," Jaishankar tweeted. The external affairs minister said Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor could help improve connectivity and fulfilment of economic potential in the region. "Will unlock the economic potential of this region in which Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor could become enablers. Connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and respect international law," he added. Jaishankar spoke of Mission LiFE launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which envisions replacing the prevelant 'use and dispose' economy, by a circular economy. He highlighted that in 2023, the UN International Year of Millets, India intends to foster greater cooperation with the SCO Member States on countering the food crisis. "Our total trade with SCO Members is only USD 141 billion, which has potential to increase manifold. Fair market access is to our mutual benefit and the only way to move forward," the minister said in another tweet. Jaishankar appreciated the condolences expressed at the loss of lives in the Morbi tragedy. "Look forward to India's ongoing chairship of the SCO," he added. India remains actively engaged in various SCO activities and dialogue mechanisms in the region as well as other multilateral cooperation within the SCO framework. The leaders of the SCO member states met last month for the summit meeting at Samarkand in Uzbekistan on September 16. The meeting, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated, adopted Samarkand Declaration. The member states also called for the improvement of the SCO activities, and the development of efficient transport corridors for interconnectivity. Source: ANI

Sri Lanka on Monday confirmed that it has communicated to China to defer the visit of Chinese vessel Yuang Wang 5 to Hambantota port. In a statement, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said the Chinese vessel Yuan Wang 5 was scheduled to dock at Chinese-leased Hambantota port on August 11 for refuelling and leave on August 17. “The Ministry has communicated to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo to defer the visit of the said vessel to the Hambantota port,” it read. The Foreign Ministry further stated it wishes to reaffirm the enduring friendship and excellent relations between Sri Lanka and China which remain on a solid foundation, as reiterated most recently by the two Foreign Ministers Ali Sabry and Wang Yi at a bilateral meeting in Phnom Penh on August 4. “At this first meeting between the two Foreign Ministers, Minister Sabry referred to Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to the one-China policy which has been a consistent principle in the country’s foreign policy,” the statement read further. Meanwhile, reacting to the media reports over the vessel, the Chinese foreign ministry said that Beijing “always exercises freedom of the high seas in accordance with law and fully respects coastal countries’ jurisdiction over scientific research activities in waters under their jurisdiction.” China also urged “relevant parties” to see its marine scientific research activities in a rational light and stop disrupting normal exchange and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka. “It is completely unjustified for certain countries to cite the so-called “security concerns” to pressure Sri Lanka,” it said. India had expressed its security concerns over the docking of the vessel at Hambantota as it was shown as a research vessel while the spy ship can map the ocean bed which is critical to anti-submarine operations of the Chinese Navy. Designated as a research and survey vessel, Yuan Wang 5 was built in 2007 and has a carrying capacity of 11,000 tonnes. During this significant visit to the key Sri Lankan port, it could conduct satellite research in the northwestern part of the Indian Ocean region, prompting security concerns for India. Hambantota port, located around 250 kms from Colombo was built with high-interest Chinese loans. The Sri Lankan government struggled to repay the debt they had taken from China following which the port was handed over to the Chinese on a 99-year lease.  Source:ANI

Two vessels, JS URAGA (Mine Sweeper Tender) and JS HIRADO (Mine Sweeper Ocean) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), arrived at Chattogram Port on 8 January 2022 for a goodwill port visit. They will stay in Chattogram till 10 January 2022.   Receiving Ceremony was held on the same day at the port jetty. Captain NOGUCHI Yasushi, Commanding Officer of the Deployment, and his officers were received by Captain Masudul Karim Siddique, Chief Staff Officer to Commander, Chattogram Naval Area and greeted by H.E. Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, ‍said a press release.     During this port visit, the Bangladesh Navy will organize exchange programs such as visits on board. Ambassador ITO and Captain NOGUCHI will make courtesy calls on Rear Admiral Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Commander, Chattogram Naval Area, Commodore Mir Ershad Ali, Commander,Bangladesh Navy Fleet, andRear Admiral M Shahjahan, Chariman,ChattogramPort Authority respectively on 9th. The Japanese delegates will alsomake a courtesy call on Mr. Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Honorable Mayor,Chattogram City Corporation. Moreover, JS HIRADO and JS URAGA will conduct a goodwill exercise with the Bangladesh Navy in the surrounding sea on 10th.   The JMSDF has made port visits to Chattogram two times before, in 2012 and in 2019. This third visit has taken place in a very memorable year, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Japan and Bangladesh. This port visit is particularly significant, as it is the event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the two countries.   JS URAGA and JS HIRADO departed from Japan on 12 December 2021 for IMED21: Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment21 and has made a visit to Bangladesh after Brunei. They will also visit Sri Lanka, Bahrain, and Malaysia, returning to Japan on 31 March 2022.It is expected that this port visit will not only strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Bangladesh but also contribute to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, which is a vision to secure peace, stability and prosperity in the region.