ECONOMY
Laldia Container Terminal deal is transparent, won’t be cancelled or revised, says Shipping Minister
Shipping Minister says Laldia Container Terminal deal with APM Terminals is transparent and won't be cancelled or renegotiated.
ARAFIN AHMED NEON
2:40
In a Nutshell:
- The minister was responding to a starred question from BNP lawmaker Md Shahadat Hossain of Lakshmipur-1, and said the agreement was executed under the PPP Act 2015, the G2G Partnership Policy 2017, and the Procurement Guidelines for PPP Projects 2018.
- Denmark-based APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Maersk Group, signed the concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority on 17 November 2025, with the International Finance Corporation serving as transaction adviser throughout the process.
- The agreement covers 33 years in total, including 3 years for construction and 30 years of operation, with a further 15-year extension, and involves a US$550 million investment on vacant land within Chattogram Port.
Why it Matters
Chattogram Port handles the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh's trade, and a terminal of this scale directly affects export competitiveness and the country's ability to attract large foreign infrastructure investment.
- The US$550 million investment from APM Terminals is one of the largest single foreign infrastructure commitments in Bangladesh's port sector, involving one of the world's biggest shipping groups.
- The G2G arrangement with Denmark carries diplomatic weight beyond a standard commercial deal, meaning any future revision or cancellation would have consequences for Bangladesh's broader investment credibility.
Who it matters to
The terminal affects exporters, port workers, and foreign investors, each with a distinct stake in whether the project delivers on its stated goals.
- Exporters and the garment industry, which depends on Chattogram Port for virtually all outbound shipments, stand to benefit directly if the new terminal reduces turnaround times and handling costs once operational.
- Foreign investors watching Bangladesh's PPP track record will note how the government handles opposition scrutiny of this deal, particularly given the political pressure the minister's firm response suggests is already building.
- Port workers and the Chattogram local economy are cited as beneficiaries through employment creation, though no specific job figures have been put on record.