DP World, Maersk keen to invest in Bangladeshi ports
United Arab Emirates-based DP World and Denmark-based AP Moller-Maersk have shown keen interest in making substantial investments in Bangladesh's shipping sector to develop new ports along the Bay of Bengal, aiming to transform the country into a major global export hub.
During a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Robert Maersk Uggla, Chair of AP Moller-Maersk, presented their investment proposals.
Building Bangladesh's port infrastructure
Dr Yunus welcomed the proposals, inviting both companies to visit Dhaka with detailed investment plans. He emphasized the need to construct a series of ports along the Bay of Bengal to maximise Bangladesh’s potential as a regional business hub.
“We must enhance the efficiency of Chittagong Port and build additional ports to support our future as a regional export centre,” Dr Yunus said.
DP World’s vision
DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem expressed interest in investing in the New Mooring Container Terminal to reduce congestion at Chattogram Port, enhance efficiency, and minimise emissions.
Sulayem noted that DP World’s investments in other countries have consistently attracted significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduced pollution, and he was optimistic about replicating this success in Bangladesh.
He also proposed the introduction of a digital online customs procedure at Chattogram Port, which he said could significantly reduce corruption. Additionally, Sulayem expressed interest in developing Inland Container Depots to further improve logistics in Bangladesh.
Sulayem mentioned that DP World had previously sought to invest in Bangladesh in 2022 but was turned away by the previous government.
Maersk’s green port initiative
AP Moller-Maersk Chair Robert Maersk Uggla proposed investing in the Laldia Container Terminal near Chattogram Port, aiming to transform it into a sustainable, green port with advanced technical support.
Drawing on past successes in Morocco and Oman, Uggla cited Salalah Port in Oman as a prime example of how Maersk’s investments have elevated port infrastructure to world-class standards.
A regional export hub
Dr Yunus emphasised that improving port infrastructure is critical for Bangladesh to position itself as a regional hub for exports, handling cargo for neighbouring countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
“We must act swiftly because time is money,” Dr Yunus said, underscoring the urgency of enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Bangladesh’s ports.
The proposals from DP World and Maersk signal a potential transformation in Bangladesh’s maritime and trade infrastructure, with the prospect of boosting its regional and global trade capabilities.
