APM Terminals’ Laldia investment marks a new era : CA
Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday stated that the Danish company APM Terminals’ investment in the Laldia Terminal marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh in trade and foreign direct investment.
“This is a fresh start for the country. It opens the door to larger and more diverse investments from Denmark and other European nations,” he remarked.
Professor Yunus made these comments during a meeting with a delegation from the Maersk Group and the Danish government at the State Guest House Jamuna, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The delegation was led by Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of the Maersk Group-which owns APM (AP Møller-Maersk) Terminals. Danish State Minister for Trade and Investment Nina Gandløse Hansen also attended the meeting. Uggla, who visited Dhaka for the Laldia Terminal contract-signing ceremony, said the company’s investment in the Chittagong Port terminal would be the largest by any European company in Bangladesh.
He added that once the Laldia Terminal becomes operational in 2030, it will provide a significant boost to the country’s economy by allowing larger vessels to dock at Chittagong Port.
“It will be a sustainable port and generate more employment opportunities,” Uggla said. He also emphasized that Danish investment in such a critical sector could attract further European investors to Bangladesh.
The Maersk Group chairman mentioned that the company-owner of one of the world’s largest shipping lines-intends to explore additional investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s logistics and supply chain sectors.
Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to Uggla for fulfilling his commitment to invest in Bangladesh following their meeting in Davos in January.
“We are delighted and encouraged,” he said, welcoming the Danish company’s decision.
The Chief Adviser also urged APM Terminals to accelerate the construction of the Laldia Terminal, emphasizing the need to create millions of manufacturing jobs and advance infrastructure development.
“This will be our economic gateway and a doorway to the future,” he said, highlighting the importance of transforming Chittagong’s ports into world-class facilities for the nation’s economic growth and trade expansion.
Recalling his Davos meeting with Professor Yunus, Uggla said the Maersk Group-managed by a foundation-was inspired by Yunus’s work.
“This investment will have a strong impact on local communities,” he noted, adding that the company plans to support initiatives benefiting women as well.
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 firm commitment to attracting foreign direct investment.
Danish State Minister Hansen congratulated the Chief Adviser on the recently approved labour act, noting that it would encourage more European companies to invest in Bangladesh.
SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller were also in attendance.