Japan Eyes Regional Connectivity Hub via Bangladesh’s Matarbari Port Ahead of PM Rahman’s Visit
Tokyo plans to link India’s northeast to the Bay of Bengal via the Japan-funded Matarbari port as Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman prepares for a four-day visit.
POLICY WIRE — New Delhi, India — As Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prepares for a four-day visit to Japan later this month, diplomatic officials in Tokyo are outlining an ambitious strategy to establish an industrial value chain. This initiative aims to link the northeastern states of India with the Bay of Bengal region, utilizing the Matarbari deep-sea port as a central node.
A senior representative from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Matarbari facility is poised to transform Bangladesh into a significant industrial hub. The project is expected to be a primary focus during the upcoming visit, as Prime Minister Rahman is anticipated to request Japanese financial backing for the 2026-’31 period to support various commercial and infrastructure developments.
The Matarbari port, which received funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is set to become the only deep-sea port in Bangladesh. Currently, the nation relies on ports in Singapore, Colombo, and Malaysia to accommodate larger vessels. Prime Minister Rahman conducted an inspection of the site in August to review the project’s ongoing requirements.
Japanese officials are looking to replicate the success of the Southern Economic Corridor, which connected Bangkok to Vietnam and Cambodia. By fostering similar regional integration, Tokyo hopes to enhance connectivity between India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. The official noted that a model to emulate is Bangkok, which led regional economic growth through its ports and the Southern Economic Corridor.
While much of the foundational work for these projects occurred during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recent political shifts have impacted regional infrastructure, such as the Maitri Bridge over the Feni River. Despite the bridge remaining non-operational due to current political uncertainties, Japanese diplomats remain optimistic about the long-term potential of the region.
The bilateral agenda for the upcoming trip, which follows an invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is currently being finalized. Key discussions are expected to center on the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative, reinforcing the strategic importance of the port in regional trade.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)