"If we can give service opportunities for foreign countries to trade using our airport, maritime port and highways, we would be able to keep pace with the fast developing countries like China and India," he said.

"If we fail to avail the opportunity at first, we will miss the train and the opportunity may go to another hand," he said.

The Nobel laureate was addressing as the key discussant at a meeting titled "Development Thoughts on Chittagong" at the seminar room of Institute of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB), Chittagong chapter, yesterday afternoon.

Nobel Winner Muhammad Yunus Reception Council organised the meeting in cooperation with IEB Chittagong chapter, Institute of Architects, Chittagong Unit and Forum for Planned Chittagong.

Bangladesh is naturally gifted with its unique geographical position and it has the great advantage of having the sea as well as a port which some neighboring countries lack, Yunus said.

"At first we have to decide what we want to do by 2050 and shortly decide our responsibility for achieving it. If we confine it to discussions, then it would be tough to achieve the goals."

He stressed the need for immediate steps to implement the development works.

Economic Association Chittagong Chapter President Professor Muhammed Sikander Khan, Editor of local daily Azadi MA Malek, architect Zarina Hossain, IEB Chittagong President Ali Ashraf, town planner Shahinul Islam Khan and Subhas Barua took part in the discussion.

Speakers put up the different problems of Chittagong port city and suggested recommendations to address the problems.