Huge Investment Announced for Laldia Container Terminal
On May 8, 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, announced a major investment of $800 million at the Laldia Char container terminal in Chittagong. This substantial sum will be utilised to upgrade and enlarge the terminal, which is situated on the Karnaphuli River’s southeast side.
After touring the terminal, he told reporters this information. An important step in strengthening Bangladesh’s economy is the project.
Bigger Than the Country’s Annual Foreign Investment
Chowdhury Ashik said that the usual yearly foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh is around $700 million. So, this one project bringing in $800 million is very significant.
“This will create many jobs and help the local economy grow,” he explained.
Who Was There When They Came?
During the visit to Laldia Char, a number of high-ranking officials were in attendance, including:
- Shafiqul Alam, Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary
- Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary, Muhammad Abul Kalam
- Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman
They all participated in the port’s future discussion and terminal inspection.
Why Chittagong Is So Important
After also visiting the New Mooring Container Terminal, Chowdhury Ashik said, “Dhaka is our political capital, but Chittagong is our commercial capital.”
He said Chittagong will play a key role in developing Bangladesh’s economy, and this investment will help achieve that goal.
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More Jobs for the People of Chittagong
The BIDA chairman made it clear that creating jobs is a major goal. He said, “We want to create as many job opportunities as possible for the people of this area.”
He also explained that making the terminal modern and high-quality will help businesses grow and support the economy.
A Public-Private Partnership Project (PPP)
The terminal’s development will happen under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and a government-to-Government (G2G) agreement. It will follow the “Build-Operate-Transfer” (BOT) model.
This means a private company will build and operate the project for a certain time and then hand it over to the government.
No Local Investment Required
The BIDA chairman said this entire project will be funded by foreign investors. “No local investment is needed. It is a historic opportunity for us to move forward,” he noted.
He added that the goal is to turn Laldia into a modern “green port” that is environmentally friendly.
The Significance of Ports for Economic Development
If Bangladesh wishes to become a global industrial hub, he clarified, ports are crucial.
Vietnam and other nations would still be ahead of the port even if it were extended six times. So, it’s important to work smartly and use expert help to make the best use of available space.
Future Plans: A Free Trade Zone in Anwara?
Chowdhury Ashik also said that a new committee has been formed to create a Free Trade Zone in the country. Anwara is being considered as a possible location for this special business zone.
APM Terminals Already in Operation
A big global company, APM Terminals (a part of AP Moller Maersk), started working at Laldia Terminal in 2024. At first, the investment amount was expected to be between $300 to $400 million. But now it has doubled to $800 million.
This demonstrates the increased confidence and interest that foreign investors have in Bangladesh.
Concluding remarks
Bangladesh is prepared to make significant strides towards developing a robust, contemporary economy, as demonstrated by this project. Chittagong has the potential to develop as the nation’s commercial centre with careful planning, foreign alliances, and capable leadership.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
