Dhaka, April 18 -- Decks are now all cleared for operation of the Patenga Container Terminal (PTC) with belated declaration bringing its designated import-export area under customs domain.

With Wednesday's customs all-clear, officials said, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) would be able to proceed on operationalising container terminal nearby the seaport under a joint venture with a Saudi company.

The first PPP under port sector's backup facility and its adjacent area get customs approval for export-import operations, amid much expectation from businesses of a breakthrough in foreign-trade shipments.

Construction of the container terminal, inaugurated by the Prime Minister in November 2023, was completed one and a half years ago, at...