South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun has said South Korea can and will be the best partner for Bangladesh in developing the modern metro system in the second largest city of Bangladesh.
"For Bangladesh to achieve its grand dream of becoming an advanced country by 2041, the face of the city street should be changed. And the Chattogram MRT project after the Dhaka MRT project will be what Bangladesh needs urgently," he said.
The Ambassador said Korean companies such as Hyundai and Daewo have ample experience and world's top technology in constructing rail and subways not only in Korea but also around the world.
Hyundai alone participated in the 14 MRT or metro projects in seven countries.
The Ambassador was speaking at the Kick-off ceremony of the Chattogram Transport Master Plan and Preliminary Feasibility Study of the Chattogram MRT.
"And Korea is very happy to be a partner of Bangladesh in this very significant project for the future of this country. I am confident that the Korean government and the Korean companies participating in this project will not disappoint you," said the envoy.
"I am sure that through this partnership, Chattogram will not remain just the gateway to Bangladesh But it will be the engine of Bangladesh and Bangladesh’s glorious economic development," he added.
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During the course of implementing this project, Bangladesh will work with a number of Korean experts, companies and agencies with world top level.
The Korean experts will share their knowledge, technology and know-how which will be crucial in developing and managing the modern urban metro system in Bangladesh.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader joined the function virtually.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and KOICA's Young-Ah Doh were present.
For Bangladesh, the Ambassador believes that the Chattogram MRT project will be the next big thing that shows how Bangladesh is advancing toward its goal of becoming an advanced economy by 2041, after the opening of the Padma Bridge and the Dhaka MRT last year, and the Karnaphuli Tunnel which will be inaugurated soon.
