Image credit: Sealite
A new direct shipping service has been inaugurated between Chittagong Port, Bangladesh’s largest seaport, and several key ports in China, marking a significant enhancement in the trade connectivity between the two nations. This service, which commenced in August 2024, is expected to streamline logistics and reduce transit times, providing a major boost to the growing trade relationship between Bangladesh and China.
The newly launched service will connect Chittagong directly with major Chinese ports, including Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo. The direct route eliminates the need for transhipment at intermediary ports, which has traditionally been a time-consuming and costly process. With this direct service, transit times between Bangladesh and China are expected to be significantly reduced, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of cargo movement for exporters and importers alike.
The introduction of this direct shipping line is particularly timely given the increasing volume of trade between Bangladesh and China. China is one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, with a significant portion of Bangladesh’s imports, including machinery, electronics, and textiles, coming from China. Similarly, Bangladesh exports a range of goods to China, including ready-made garments, seafood, and jute products. The new shipping service is anticipated to further facilitate these trade flows, benefiting businesses in both countries.
Officials from the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) have lauded the launch of the direct service, highlighting its potential to increase the port’s throughput and enhance its competitiveness in the region. The CPA has been working on various initiatives to upgrade the port’s infrastructure and capacity to handle larger volumes of container traffic, and the new direct service aligns with these efforts.
Shipping companies operating the route have emphasized that the service will not only reduce shipping costs but also provide more predictable schedules, which are crucial for industries relying on timely deliveries. The direct service is expected to be particularly advantageous for the textile and apparel sector, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy, by ensuring quicker access to Chinese raw materials and faster delivery of finished goods to Chinese markets.
This development is seen as a strategic move to bolster bilateral trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and China. As the global shipping industry continues to evolve, the introduction of such direct services is likely to become increasingly important in supporting the efficient movement of goods and fostering economic growth in the region. The success of this new shipping line could potentially pave the way for additional direct routes, further integrating Bangladesh into the global supply chain.