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Dhaka to seek DP World’s investments in ports

Delegation arrives today


Syful Islam | March 05, 2019 00:00:00


Bangladesh will seek Dubai-based DP World's investments for Chittagong and Payra ports, officials say.

A delegation of the DP World high-ups is scheduled to arrive in the city today (Tuesday) and shipping officials in Dhaka will seek investments.

During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's UAE visit on February 17, chairman of DP World Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Bangladesh shipping secretary Abdus Samad signed a memorandum of understanding on setting up port, dry port and industrial park in the country.

The DP World high-ups told Bangladesh officials that wherever they constructed a port they would also set up an industrial park.

They are thinking about large investments in Bangladesh, foreign secretary Shahidul Haque told reporters.

Shipping secretary told the FE on Monday that the MoU was signed for DP World's investments in Bangladesh's port sector.

But he said the government has not fixed yet in which port the DP World will invest.

"Options are there for DP World to invest in Chittagong port's planned projects and planned terminals of Payra port," he said.

Mr Samad said they will specify the issue during tomorrow's (Wednesday) meeting with DP World officials through discussion.

Shipping officials said the DP World is among the five short-listed global port giants who submitted request for qualification (RFQ) for building Laldia multi-purpose terminal in Chittagong.

They said the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) is finalising the proposal for Laldia terminal. Bidding will be opened where DP World will be able to participate.

They also said the Payra Port Authority (PPA) recently floated an international tender for developing a coal/bulk terminal on a public-private partnership.

The bidders will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the terminal and transfer to the authority after a pre-defined period.

The DP World can come forward to invest in the terminal, they said.

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