Maersk Group’s Offer on Building a Container Terminal to Be Considered: PM

The proposal of the Danish shipping and logistics giant Maersk Group to build and run a new container terminal in Laldia of Chattogram would be given fair attention, the prime minister Sheikh Hasina promised on Monday.

When Danish Charge d'Affaires in Bangladesh Andres B Karlsen and Maersk Group CEO Robert Maersk Uggla visited the prime minister in her office, the prime minister gave the guarantee.

Ihsanul Karim, the press secretary for the prime minister, informed the media following the call.

"Over 50 Danish Companies are working in Bangladesh, and Maersk Group is now interested in constructing and operating 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.

Pointing out the 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 is great potential in the areas of container shipping and logistic support in Bangladesh.

Maersk Uggla welcomed the vision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to establish a smart Bangladesh and said it will be reflected in Chattogram sea port, according to the press secretary.

He stated a desire to invest in Bangladesh's port and logistical support, claiming that there are several prospects in these fields.

H&M, M&S, Walmart, and other major corporations are keen in importing more RMG items from Bangladesh, according to the CEO of the Maersk Group, who made this statement in this context.

He claimed that while the Danish government strongly supports the logistic policy, there are several potential to diversify collaboration.

Both Admiral Mohammad Sohail, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, and Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah, principal secretary to the prime minister, were present.

Source: UNB