Matarbari Project Set to Create 2.5m Jobs, Boost Economy

MIDA design

The Moheshkhali-Matarbari Development Initiative (MIDI) has the potential to generate employment for as many as 25 lakh people over the next three decades, according to the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA).

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of MIDA, said the landmark project is designed to directly and indirectly create millions of jobs across multiple sectors including ports, logistics, shipping, fisheries, tourism, and the wider marine economy. He estimated that the initiative could contribute around USD 150 billion to Bangladesh’s GDP once fully operational.

Chowdhury outlined the project’s phased implementation strategy during a presentation to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday. The plan covers a 30-year period, from 2025 to 2055, and is divided into three major phases of infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and integration into the global economy.

The Chief Adviser welcomed the initiative, noting that the project represents more than just physical infrastructure. “This is more than a port; it is the beginning of a new city and a new economy. The sea must become our highway to the world,” Prof Yunus remarked.

He stressed that employment generation must go hand in hand with skills development, urging the establishment of an international-standard training facility in Moheshkhali to prepare young people for jobs in the blue economy and emerging industries. He also called for wider investment in marine research and closer collaboration with global experts and institutions to ensure Bangladesh can fully harness its maritime potential.

The meeting further explored plans to promote eco-tourism, conserve coastal forests, and maintain a balance between rapid development and environmental protection. Officials emphasised that the project must integrate sustainability into its design to ensure long-term benefits for both people and nature.

The Moheshkhali-Matarbari project is envisioned as a transformative economic hub for Bangladesh, combining deep-sea port facilities, energy infrastructure, industrial zones, and tourism potential. Once complete, it is expected to not only create millions of jobs but also reshape the country’s position in global trade and maritime connectivity.