Bagerhat, Nov 5 (V7N)- Bangladesh has set a target of expanding its economy to $1 trillion by 2030, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said, highlighting increased investment, industrialisation and export diversification as key priorities.

He made the remarks on Thursday after inaugurating the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a container jetty construction project at Mongla Port in Bagerhat.

The Prime Minister said the government was working towards the ambitious economic target by strengthening investment and production capacity across different sectors.

He said priorities included attracting investment, promoting industrialisation, diversifying exports, ensuring energy and food security, and developing a skilled workforce.

Referring to the current global situation, Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted energy and food supplies. He said Mongla Port played a significant role in importing energy, food and industrial raw materials, as well as exporting Bangladeshi products.

He added that modernising the port would help strengthen the country's supply-chain capacity and economic security.

The Prime Minister also called on international and development partners, particularly expatriate Bangladeshis, to invest in the country and contribute to its economic self-reliance.

He said the government was committed to creating a favourable investment climate through streamlined services, reliable infrastructure and consistent policies.

Describing Mongla Port's modernisation as an important part of the country's economic transformation plan, he stressed the need to ensure navigability, reliable shipping channels, safe vessel movement and competitive port services.

He also said efforts should be made to attract international shipping companies and develop Mongla into a first-call port by ensuring suitable commercial and operational conditions.

During the visit, a memorandum of understanding on economic and infrastructure cooperation was signed between Invest Bangladesh and China's state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

Tarique Rahman also held talks with a high-level Chinese delegation led by CRCC Chairman Dai Hagen.

END/SMA/AJ