Singapore: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam highlighted Singapore’s longstanding interest in developing a Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port during her recent visit to the Southeast Asian country. This proposal was a key topic of discussion in her meetings with Singaporean officials.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during her first official visit to Singapore, the State Minister engaged in talks with Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. The discussions focused on mutual interests, including Singapore’s proposal for the Bay Terminal project. Shama Obaed also visited a waste-to-energy project in Singapore, showcasing how energy can be produced through effective waste management.
The State Minister’s itinerary included a visit to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), where she met with Vincent Ng, Regional CEO for the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Trkiye. Ng expressed PSA’s keen interest in participating in the Bay Terminal project, noting its potential to significantly boost Chattogram Port’s operations and enhance Bangladesh’s trade and connectivity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Shama Obaed welcomed this interest, expressing optimism for enhanced collaboration in port development, logistics, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Further discussions between the officials touched on expanding trade and strengthening energy partnerships, with progress being made towards a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Singapore’s Foreign Minister emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two nations and the close ties shared by their people.
Bangladesh and Singapore reiterated their hope for a swift conclusion of the Bangladesh-Singapore FTA, aiming for stronger business-to-business engagement. The discussions also covered energy security, risks to energy supplies, shipping, global supply chains, climate change, water security, and issues related to illegal and irregular migration.