What Bangladesh can gain from 30yr deal with Maersk's APM Terminals for Laldia project
The agreement marks Bangladesh’s single largest European equity investment and could reshape how goods move in and out of the country — from faster exports to greener, safer ports
Bangladesh's 30-year partnership with Maersk's APM Terminals BV to build and operate the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram has been billed by the interim government as a logistics game-changer.
The public-private partnership arrangement is expected to unlock over half a billion dollars in foreign investment, boost the capacity of the country's largest port by 44%, and create thousands of jobs.
Why it matters:
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The agreement marks Bangladesh's single largest European equity investment and could reshape how goods move in and out of the country — from faster exports to greener, safer ports.
Key benefits, as per the government, at a glance:
Record FDI: APM Terminals is expected to inject $550 million in FDI, the biggest European private investment in Bangladesh's history — signalling strong global confidence in the country's port sector.
Major capacity boost: Laldia terminal will handle 8,00,000+ containers a year, easing congestion at Chattogram Port and meeting growing trade demand by 2030.
Higher public revenue: More efficient cargo handling means higher revenue for the Chittagong Port Authority and the government through handling fees, taxes, and marine services.
Thousands of new jobs: Construction and operation phases will create 500-700 direct and formal jobs and thousands more in construction, trucking, warehousing, freight forwarding, and local SMEs.
Technology and skill transfer: Maersk's advanced systems and global operating standards will modernise Bangladesh's ports, train local engineers and managers, and raise safety and productivity.
Lower trade costs: Faster vessel turnaround and reduced congestion will cut logistics costs, helping exporters in garments and other time-sensitive sectors stay competitive.
Greener and resilient infrastructure: Energy-efficient equipment and climate-smart practices will make the terminal cleaner and more climate-resilient, aligning with Bangladesh's Paris Agreement goals.
Bigger picture: If successful, the deal could serve as a blueprint for future PPP projects, drawing more global players into Bangladesh's infrastructure push.
