Port cities, industrial parks, and sustainable economic growth : a comparative study of Chattogram, Bangladesh and Kokkola Industrial Park, Finland

Abstract

This thesis explored economic growth around port cities and industrial parks through a comparative case study of Chattogram, Bangladesh, and Kokkola Industrial Park, Finland to address the objective of this work related to sustainable economic growth. The thesis explored the interrelationship between infrastructure, logistics, governance, industrial agglomeration, and sustainability. Semi-structured interviews with port and industrial development practitioners, the study uncovered distinct patterns of development in the two cases. Chattogram is a demand-driven port-city model reflecting increasing trade throughput, export dependency, traffic congestion, capacity squeeze and continuing infrastructure development. Kokkola illustrates an ecosystem driven industrial-port model, underpinned by coordinated governance, consolidated logistics, industrial symbiosis and opportunities for the green transition. The results demonstrated that port-led growth is not automatic; it requires integrated planning, institutional coordination, multimodal connectivity, and environmental resilience. The thesis recommended swift delivery of infrastructure, a much more robust digitalization of operations, a closer convergence between port and industrial systems, and sustainable strategic planning for enduring competitiveness.