Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan yesterday said direct cargo ship service from Chittagong ports to two ports-one in South Africa and another in Morocco - will be launched soon, reports UNB. A delegation led by the minister visited Durban and Cape Town ports in Africa and Tanger-Med port in Morocco from January 15-23. The minister came up with the information at a press briefing at the secretariat.

Shahjahan Khan met Transport Minister and State Minister of South Africa and State Minister of Morocco to discuss the matter. Currently, cargo ships reach the Chittagong port via Singapore, Colombo and Malaysian ports which takes long time and involves higher costs. The direct container ship service will lessen both time and cost, said the minister.

He also said delegations from both the countries will come to Bangladesh soon to visit the port. Then, MoU will be signed with them.