Two of the world’s largest port operators, DP World and AP Moller-Maersk, have shown interest in investing in Bangladesh’s ports along the Bay of Bengal. They plan to upgrade the ports, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency. DP World is looking to invest in the New Mooring Container Terminal near Chittagong, while AP Moller-Maersk wants to develop the Laldia Container Terminal into a green port.
The interest was revealed during the World Economic Forum Summit in Davos, Switzerland, where Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World, and Robert Maersk Uggla, chair of AP Moller-Maersk, met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Sulayem shared DP World’s interest in investing in the New Mooring Container Terminal near Chittagong Port. He explained that this investment could help attract more foreign investors by improving the port’s capacity and cutting down on emissions. He also suggested introducing a digital customs system to make operations smoother and reduce corruption.
The CEO noted that DP World had previously considered investing in Bangladesh in 2022 but faced challenges under the former government.
In response, Chief Adviser Yunus reiterated the government’s commitment to improving Chittagong Port, emphasizing its critical role in driving Bangladesh’s future economic growth. “We want to make Chittagong the largest port in the region, handling trade for Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeastern India,” he said, urging the need for swift action to avoid delays.
Robert Maersk Uggla, on the other hand, proposed transforming the Laldia Container Terminal into a green port. Drawing on their success in projects in Morocco and Oman, Uggla pointed out how investments could bring world-class standards to Bangladesh’s ports.
Yunus invited both companies to visit Dhaka with detailed proposals to accelerate discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration.
These changes could significantly reshape Bangladesh’s ports, enhancing their capacity and efficiency. By attracting more investment and improving infrastructure, the country could become a key player in regional trade, opening doors for stronger economic ties with neighboring countries and global markets.
Source: The Daily Star
