United News of Bangladesh

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said Denmark-based APM Terminals’ investment in Laldia Container Terminal will take Chattogram a step closer to becoming a technology-driven logistics hub.  “Our elected government is business- and investment-friendly and has an ambitious economic programme. However, we are trying to gradually strengthen our economic structure through proper planning,” he said while inaugurating the construction of Laldia Container Terminal at the project site in Patenga. The minister described the investment as a milestone in Bangladesh’s journey toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy, saying such an ambitious economic transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires active participation from the private sector. APM Terminals, a Denmark-based global port operator, will invest $550 million in constructing the terminal under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The investment is expected to increase gradually, he said. APM Terminals operates terminals at some of the world’s leading ports and its arrival in Bangladesh is a milestone, Khosru said. He also expressed his pleasure that the terminal is being built in his parliamentary constituency. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the start of the terminal’s construction marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh in investment, technology and terminal operations. “We are entering a new era of investment, technology and terminal handling. This is a major investment under the PPP model,” he said. The terminal will have the capacity to handle around 800,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers annually and will feature modern facilities, he said. “The establishment of international confidence in Bangladesh as an investment destination is beginning today,” the minister said. Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral FM Moniruzzaman said the terminal would enhance Bangladesh’s regional and international reputation while creating greater opportunities to acquire expertise in modern terminal operations. He said the Laldia terminal would be implemented under a PPP model and would have an approximately 615-metre-long jetty. The terminal will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including modern ship-to-shore cranes and advanced cargo-handling systems, he said. Container handling at Chattogram Port has been increasing by around 300,000 to 400,000 TEUs annually, while cargo handling is also growing steadily. Against the backdrop of rising pressure from increased imports, exports and economic activities, the modern container terminal is being constructed at Laldia Char in Patenga as part of efforts to expand the port’s capacity.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (August 28, 2023) assured that relevant authorities of Bangladesh will give due consideration to a proposal of Danish shipping and logistic giant Maersk Group for constructing and operating a new container terminal at Laldia of Chattogram. The prime minister made the assurance when Chief Executive Officer of the Maersk Group Robert Maersk Uggla along with Danish Charges D’Affaires in Bangladesh Andres B Karlsen called on her at her office. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the call on. ‘Lost a faithful political companion’: PM mourns death of Principal Motiur Rahman “Over 50 Danish Companies are working in Bangladdsh, and Maersk Group is now interested to construct and operate APM terminal at Laldia,”  Hasina said. The PM said that a national committee has been formed to formulate logistic policy for the development of ports. In this regard, she mentioned that two ports- Chattogram and Mongla are already in operation while the government is developing another named Paira Port and it will will come in to operation soon.  “India, Nepal and Bhutan have been given opportunities to use these ports for the mutual benefits,” the prime minister said. There will be many opportunities and advantages in the ports particularly in the Paira port, she added. Foreign leaders attending BRICS summit laud Bangladesh's dev under PM Hasina's leadeship: Momen Pointing out contribution of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman  for the development and welfare of the nation, Sheikh Hasina said, the great leader struggled throughout his life for the economic emancipation of the people. During the meeting, the Maersk Group CEO said, there are great potentials in the areas of container shipping and logistic support in Bangladesh. Maersk Uggla welcomed vision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to establish smart Bangladesh and said it will be reflected in Chattogram sea port, according to the press secretary. He expressed keenness to invest for the development of port and logistic supports in Bangladesh saying there are many opportunities in this sectors. In this context, the Maersk Group CEO mentioned that H&M, M&S, Walmart and other big companies are interested to import more RMG products from Bangladesh. Unhindered democracy spurs Bangladesh’s advancement: PM Hasina He said that there are many opportunities to diversify cooperation, while the Danish government is very much supportive in the logistic policy. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail were present.