Dhaka, Apr 10 (V7N)– Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka today, signaling DP World's strong interest in strategic investments within Bangladesh, particularly in the country's port and logistics sector.

"Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna here today to discuss strategic investment opportunities in Bangladesh, particularly in the country's port and logistics infrastructure," a government press release confirmed.  

The meeting followed earlier discussions held in Davos, where the DP World chief expressed specific interest in investing in the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chittagong Port. This proposed investment aims to alleviate congestion at the port, reduce carbon emissions, and significantly enhance the efficiency of Bangladesh's crucial maritime gateway.  

"The meeting followed an earlier conversation between the two in Davos, where the DP World chief had expressed interest in investing in the New Mooring Container Terminal in Chittagong. The proposed investment aims to reduce congestion at Chittagong Port, lower carbon emissions and significantly boost the efficiency of Bangladesh's key maritime gateway," a government official explained.  

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus welcomed DP World's interest, emphasizing the vast opportunities available in Bangladesh.

"'This is a land of opportunities,' said Chief Adviser Prof Yunus. 'Come to Bangladesh and let's make this happen,' he said," the government statement quoted Professor Yunus.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem reaffirmed DP World's commitment to the partnership, highlighting the mutual benefits of their collaboration.  

"'We are looking forward to this partnership. Your prosperity is our prosperity. From Chittagong to Dubai to Africa-this is our shared dream,' Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem reaffirmed his company's commitment," the DP World CEO stated.

Professor Yunus also encouraged DP World to explore broader collaboration across Bangladesh's growing sectors, including fisheries, agro-processing, and halal meat exports. He underscored the importance of ensuring proper skills development for Bangladeshi workers.  

"The Chief Adviser urged DP World to consider broader collaboration in Bangladesh's growing sectors, including fisheries, agro-processing and halal meat exports. He also called for ensuring proper skills development for Bangladeshi workers. 'It's our responsibility to provide proper training to our workforce, and we will make sure it happens,' Prof Yunus assured," the government statement detailed.

The DP World chief responded positively, revealing that UAE authorities are actively working on facilitating visas and providing overall support, particularly for skilled workers from Bangladesh.  

"The DP World chief responded positively, stating, the UAE authorities were actively working on visa facilitation and overall support, especially for skilled workers from Bangladesh," a government source confirmed.

In a significant development, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem also announced DP World's plan to introduce a "Bangladesh Mart" in their home country, following the successful implementation of similar trade marts for Chinese and Indian products. This initiative aims to showcase and promote Bangladeshi goods on the global stage.

"He also revealed DP World's plan to introduce a 'Bangladesh Mart' in their home country, following the success of their Chinese and Indian trade marts. 'We want to showcase Bangladeshi products-wood, marble, agricultural goods-and bring them to the world,' he added," the DP World CEO stated.

Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, who attended the meeting, addressed the issue of visa facilitation for Bangladeshi citizens, expressing optimism for a resolution.  

"Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, who also attended the meeting, noted, 'We are working on resolving the visa issues for general Bangladeshi citizens, and we hope a solution will come soon,'" Siddiqi stated.  

The meeting also highlighted the recent recruitment of nearly 500 Bangladeshi workers by two UAE companies, indicating a growing demand for Bangladeshi talent in the region.

"The meeting was told that the two UAE companies had recently recruited nearly 500 workers from Bangladesh," a government official confirmed.

DP World, a global leader in logistics based in Dubai, is renowned for its expertise in port development, maritime services, logistics, and technology-driven trade facilitation.  

"DP World, a leading global logistics company based in Dubai, is known for its expertise in port development, maritime services, logistics and technology-driven trade facilitation," a company profile confirmed.  

SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.  

This meeting signifies a potential major boost to Bangladesh's port and logistics infrastructure, with DP World's proposed investments and the "Bangladesh Mart" initiative promising to enhance trade and economic ties between Bangladesh and the UAE.

END/MSS/RH/