Maersk‍‍`s offer to build container terminal in Ctg will be considered: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today assured that relevant authorities of Bangladesh will give due consideration to a proposal of Danish shipping and logistic giant Maersk Group for constructing and operating a new container terminal at Laldia of Chattogram.

The prime minister made the assurance when Chief Executive Officer of the Maersk Group Robert Maersk Uggla along with Danish Charges D‍‍`Affaires in Bangladesh Andres B Karlsen called on her at her office.

Prime Minister‍‍`s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters after the PM‍‍`s interaction with Uggla and Karlsen.

"Over 50 Danish Companies are working in Bangladesh, and Maersk Group is now interested to construct and operate APM terminal at Laldia," Hasina said.

The PM said that a national committee has been formed to formulate logistics 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 Payra Port and it will come into 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 Payra port, she added.

Pointing out 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 are great potentials in the areas of container shipping and logistic support in Bangladesh.

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

He expressed eagerness to invest for the development of port and logistics support in Bangladesh, saying there are many opportunities in this sector.

In this context, the CEO mentioned that H and M, M and S, Walmart and other big companies are interested to import more RMG products from Bangladesh.

He said there are many opportunities to diversify cooperation, while the Danish government is very much supportive in the logistic policy.

Prime Minister‍‍`s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority Admiral Mohammad Sohail were present.