Japan is planning to develop an "industrial value chain" through Matarbari deep-sea port to connect India's seven northeastern states with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia through Bangladesh, The Hindu reported today (18 October), citing diplomatic sources in Tokyo ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's expected visit to Japan later this month.
A senior diplomatic source at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told The Hindu that Matarbari port can transform Bangladesh into a regional industrial hub while strengthening regional connectivity.
"Matarbari port holds the potential to transform Bangladesh into a regional industrial hub," the source said.
The port is expected to feature prominently during Tarique's visit, as he may seek Japanese financial assistance for several projects for the 2026–31 period, including the Matarbari industrial, port and commercial hub.
As part of preparations for the visit, the prime minister visited Matarbari in August, where he was briefed on the project's next phases and further requirements.
Once completed, the Japan-backed facility will be Bangladesh's only deep-sea port. Bangladesh currently relies on Singapore, Colombo and ports in Malaysia to handle large vessels.
Japan has previously supported a similar industrial value chain linking Bangkok with Cambodia and Vietnam.
"A model to emulate is Bangkok, which led regional economic growth through its ports and the Southern Economic Corridor," the Japanese official told The Hindu in a written response, referring to the Thailand-Cambodia-Vietnam development corridor supported by Japan through financing and infrastructure planning.
Japanese diplomats see the corridor as a model that could be adapted around Matarbari to strengthen connectivity among Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar.
Matarbari deep-sea port is being developed with financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
Much of the project's work was carried out under the Awami League regime, when Bangladesh-India relations were comparatively smooth and cross-border connectivity projects progressed.
During that period, the Maitri Bridge over the Feni River was built to connect Tripura with Bangladesh, opening the possibility of links between northeast India and Chattogram and Matarbari ports.
The bridge, however, remains non-operational amid political uncertainty and strains in Bangladesh-India relations.
Japanese officials remain optimistic about the longer-term prospects for regional connectivity.
Enhancing connectivity from Bangladesh to northeast India and neighbouring countries will further reinforce the utility of this port, they said.
Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry earlier said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for a four-day visit to Japan, expected to begin on 26 October.
A TBS report published yesterday said the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MMIDI) will feature on the agenda during the visit.
Bangladesh is expected to propose a strategic investment and cooperation package worth around $14 billion to Japan.
According to the TBS report, the government plans to seek around $3.14 billion for MMIDI and the Matarbari hub, covering the deep-sea port and logistics, road and rail connectivity, industrial infrastructure and economic zone development.