DP World, the Dubai-based port operator-cum-global trade enabler, is interested in investing infrastructure development holistically to turn Bangladesh into a regional logistic hub.
It is initially contemplating investment in rail, road and air infrastructure along with digitisation and skill manpower development.
The company showed its willingness during the first Bangladesh-Dubai public-private partnership (PPP) platform meeting at a city hotel on Sunday.
"Building infrastructure is not enough, we have to connect infrastructure so that we can truly make this work with all stakeholders in a logistic supply chain," said Rezwan Sultan Ali Soomar, chief executive officer of DP South and Central Asia.
He said DP has the platform to bring all stakeholders in the supply chain, including exporter, importer, manufacturer, policymaker and regulator.
The PPP Authority under the Prime Minister's Office hosted the meeting that presented 20 projects under road transport, rail, industry, local government, textile and jute and education sectors for discussion.
UAE Embassy brought DP representatives to attend the event with an eye to getting investment under the government-to-government PPP modality.
PMO principal secretary Mohammad Nojibur Rahman attended the event as the chief guest with PPPA chief executive officer Muhammad Alkama Siddiqui in the chair.
Principal coordinator of SDG Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, UAE ambassador Saed Mohammed Al Mheiri, DP vice-president Omar Al Muhairi, railways secretary Mozammel Hossain, and textile and jute acting secretary Belayet Hossain, among others, also attended.
The principal coordinator said DP World's interest has created a new chapter of partnership between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He hoped the company would take the comparative and competitive advantages here to bring a tangible result in its investment plan.
"It's time to walk the talk for making the work in action," he said, hoping to get the investment plan a shape in the next one month.
Mr Rahman, however, called for selecting big and prospective projects under PPP.
PPP has been planned to cover a huge demand of financing to meet the government's visions 2021 and 2040, he said.
At the programme, the UAE envoy emphasised the development of infrastructure with a total solution under a package.
He hoped a quick action would be taken to make the effort of the meeting successful shortly.
DP vice-president said DP World has turned into a global enabler through playing a wider role in supply chain.
It can help tap huge potential of the country for stronger economic development, he mentioned.
"We want to make sure our partnership with you holistically rather than port and logistic infrastructure only," said DP CEO Soomar at the closing ceremony.
He said DP has interests in rail, road, water, airways, port, dry dock solution, education and logistic load distribution as only Dhaka is now well connected to ports.
smunima@yahoo.com