In a notable development at the World Economic Forum Summit, two of the world’s leading port operators, DP World and AP Moller-Maersk, have expressed strong interest in investing heavily in Bangladesh’s shipping industry. Their proposals aim to establish new ports along the Bay of Bengal coast, positioning Bangladesh as a key global export hub.
During a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, discussed plans to invest in the New Mooring Container Terminal. This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion at Chittagong Port and enhance operational efficiency while reducing emissions. Bin Sulayem emphasised that such investments could attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and mitigate environmental pollution, highlighting the positive impact of DP World’s past investments in other countries.
Bin Sulayem also proposed the introduction of a digital online customs procedure at Chittagong Port to significantly reduce corruption, along with investments in Inland Container Depots throughout Bangladesh. He noted that their interest in investing in Bangladesh dates back to 2022, when their proposals were not pursued by the previous government.
Chief Adviser Yunus affirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of Chittagong Port and developing additional ports along the Bay of Bengal coast. “We aim to make Chittagong Port the largest in the region,” Yunus stated, emphasising the importance of swift action, as “time is cost.”
Robert Maersk Uggla, Chair of AP Moller-Maersk, also expressed intentions to invest in the Laldia Container Terminal, aiming to transform it into a green port with the company’s technical expertise. Uggla shared successful examples of similar projects in Morocco and Oman, citing the Salalah Port in Oman as a model of excellence achieved through strategic investment.
In response to the proposals, Chief Adviser Yunus invited both DP World and AP Moller-Maersk representatives to visit Dhaka with detailed investment plans. He underscored the need for developing a series of ports along the Bay of Bengal to fully harness Bangladesh’s potential as a regional business hub, welcoming foreign investment that would enhance the country’s port capabilities.
