DP World, Maersk Eye Major Shares in Bangladesh’s Port Development

95

  • DP World and AP Moller–Maersk came up with the proposals in a meeting with CA Yunus in Davos.
  • DP World CEO said they want to invest in New Mooring Container Terminal.
  • AP Moller–Maersk said they want to invest in Laldia container terminal.

Two of the world’s leading port operators, DP World and AP Moller-Maersk, have expressed interest in investing heavily in Bangladesh’s shipping industry, reports the Business Standard.

They aim to help Bangladesh become a global export hub by building new ports on the Bay of Bengal coast.

World’s largest port handlers eye big investment

On January 23, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and AP Moller-Maersk Chairman Robert Maersk Uggla met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum Summit, reads a press statement issued by the CA’s Press Wing.

The CEO of DP World said that they are planning to invest in the New Mooring Container Terminal to reduce congestion and increase efficiency at the Chittagong port. He said that this investment will help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Bangladesh and reduce pollution.

Sultan Ahmed also said that they want to introduce a digital online customs system at the Chittagong port, which will be effective in reducing corruption. In addition, they are also interested in investing in inline container depots.

The release said that Sultan Ahmed mentioned that they wanted to invest in Bangladesh in 2022 as well, but their proposal was ignored by the then government.

The Chief Advisor said that Bangladesh is interested in increasing the efficiency of the Chittagong port and building new ports on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. He said, “Our future is centered on the Chittagong port. We want to make it the largest port in the region.”

Robert Maersk Uggla, said that they want to invest in the Laldia container terminal in Chittagong. He said there are plans to convert it into an eco-friendly port through technical assistance. He mentioned that they have successfully implemented similar projects in Morocco and Oman.

The chief advisor invited officials from DP World and AP Moller-Maersk to visit Dhaka with investment proposals. He said, “Construction of multiple ports on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will help us establish ourselves as a regional business hub.” He also welcomed foreign investment to enhance the capacity of Bangladeshi ports.

Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?

It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!

Source: The Business Standard