Bangkok: Monporn’ announced the success of the Ranong Port – Chittagong Port connection, moving forward to elevate Thai ports to become leaders in maritime logistics in the ASEAN region, strengthening Thailand’s role in BIMSTEC. Mrs. Manoporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of upgrading Thailand’s ports to international standards, focusing on infrastructure, services, and connections with other logistics systems, aiming to drive local economies and act as a trade gateway to neighboring countries.
According to Thai News Agency, the strategic location of Ranong Port on Thailand’s Andaman coast allows for efficient transportation to the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, bypassing the Strait of Malacca. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port marks the beginning of a new shipping route that reduces transportation time from 7-15 days to 3-5 days. This development promotes technology exchange and private sector involvement, aiming to establish Thailand as a maritime transport hub for the Andaman coast and South Asia.
Mrs. Manop stated that the Ministry of Transport will further enhance cooperation between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port by improving infrastructure, regulations, and management systems. The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is tasked with accelerating infrastructure development, including procuring new equipment and improving logistics networks. Collaboration with Thai and Bangladeshi agencies aims to streamline shipping procedures and promote business activities to support commercial shipping routes.
Kriangkrai Chaisiriwongsuk highlighted the 2021 MOU between PAT and the Chittagong Port Authority, which includes information exchange and shipping route promotion. PAT will integrate efforts with other agencies to raise awareness about the new route, reduce logistics costs, and open new markets through marketing activities. Future plans include developing Ranong Port’s infrastructure to handle increased cargo volumes.
Mrs. Nalini Taveesin noted Bangladesh’s potential as a BIMSTEC member with significant economic growth and a major port in Chittagong, which handles over 90% of the country’s maritime trade. The collaboration aims to leverage this potential, reduce trade barriers, and enhance shipping services between the two ports.
The press conference on the success of the Ranong – Chittagong Port connection was presided over by Mrs. Manoporn Charoensri, together with key officials and representatives from Thailand and Bangladesh.