Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Danish company
APM Terminals’ investment in the Laldia Terminal marks the beginning of a new
era for Bangladesh’s trade and foreign direct investment.
“This is a new beginning for the country. It opens a new door for
larger and more diversified investment from Denmark and Europe,” Professor
Yunus said.
He made the remarks when a delegation from the Maersk Group and the
Danish government called on him at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.
Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of the Maersk Group—which owns APM (AP
Møller–Maersk)
Terminals—led the delegation.
Danish State Minister for Trade and Investment Nina Gandløse Hansen also
attended the meeting.
Uggla, who came to Dhaka to attend the Laldia Terminal inauguration
ceremony, said his company’s investment in the Chittagong Port terminal would
be the largest by any European company in Bangladesh.
He said that once the Laldia Terminal becomes operational in 2030,
it will provide a major boost to Bangladesh’s economy by enabling the arrival
of larger vessels at Chittagong Port.
“It will be a sustainable port. It will create more job
opportunities,” Uggla said, adding that Danish investment in such a critical
sector would help attract more European investors to Bangladesh.
The Maersk Group chairman added that the company—also owner of one
of the world’s largest shipping lines—plans to explore further investment
opportunities in Bangladesh’s logistics and supply chain sectors.
The chief adviser thanked Uggla for following through on his
commitment to invest in Bangladesh after their meeting in Davos in January.
“We are happy and excited,” he said, welcoming the Danish company’s
decision.
Professor Yunus urged APM Terminals to fast-track construction of
the Laldia Terminal, stressing that Bangladesh must create millions of
manufacturing jobs and accelerate infrastructure development.
“It will be our economic gateway. It will open doors to the future,”
he said, adding that transforming ports along the Chittagong shoreline into
world-class facilities is vital for the country’s economic growth and trade
prospects.
Recalling his meeting with the chief adviser in Davos, Uggla said
the Maersk Group—owned by a foundation—was inspired by Professor Yunus’ work.
“This investment will make a big impact in the local communities,”
he said, adding that the company would also focus on initiatives supporting
women.
Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi and PPP Authority
CEO and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were also
present at the meeting.
“This is a milestone for us,” Siddiqi said, praising the Danish
investment and noting that it reflects the Interim Government’s strong
commitment to attracting foreign direct investment.
Danish State Minister Hansen congratulated the chief Adviser on the
recently approved labour act, saying it would encourage more European companies
to invest in Bangladesh.
SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh
Christian Brix Møller also attended the meeting.