Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG) and Masdar, two leading companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have unveiled plans to make significant investments in Bangladesh’s port development and renewable energy sectors. The proposals were presented during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday.
Ahmad Ibrahim Al Mutawa, CEO of ADPG, and Fatima Almadhloum Alsuwaidi, Head of Development and Investment for the Asia-Pacific Region at Masdar, outlined the investment opportunities, which are expected to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure and energy capabilities.
Masdar, a prominent renewable energy company, proposed a $500 million investment to establish a 250-megawatt solar power project on reclaimed land along the Bangladesh coast. This initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s growing commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
In response to the proposals, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Bangladesh is ready for business. Bring your people and set up as many plants as you want,” underscoring the country’s openness to foreign investment.
ADPG, a major player in port management and logistics, is keen to participate in Bangladesh’s port sector. The company, ranked as the fourth largest port handler globally, after DP World of the UAE, AP Moller Maersk of Denmark, and Red Sea Gateway Terminal of Saudi Arabia, is interested in developing one of the proposed three bay terminals in Chattogram. ADPG plans to finance, operate, and maintain container and multipurpose terminals under a joint venture with the Chittagong Port Authority.
Al Mutawa praised the positive attitude of Bangladeshi authorities, expressing confidence that the investment would facilitate increased ship movement at Bangladeshi ports, enhancing the country’s position as a key player in regional trade.
Additionally, Alsuwaidi from Masdar emphasized that her company is committed to introducing innovative solutions to Bangladesh, supporting the country’s drive for clean energy and sustainable development.
The UAE delegation also included Abdulla Ali Alhmoudi, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh, who extended an invitation from the ruler of Dubai for Chief Adviser Yunus to attend the “World Government Summit” in the UAE this February.
On the same day, a seven-member UAE delegation, led by Ambassador Alhmoudi, also met with Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M. Sakhawat Hussain at the Ministry of Shipping. During the meeting, the shipping adviser urged ADPG to consider investing in the infrastructure development of Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport. The adviser highlighted that Mongla is poised to become a regional trade hub, with improved waterway, road, and railway infrastructure making it easier to transport goods across Bangladesh and to neighboring countries like Nepal, India, and Bhutan.
The delegation showed strong interest in the proposal, with ADPG representatives expressing their willingness to invest in Mongla as well as other major ports in Bangladesh, including Chattogram. The shipping ministry noted that such investments would help Bangladesh strengthen its port infrastructure, further integrating the country into global trade networks.
The collaboration between UAE companies and Bangladesh could mark a significant step in both nations’ efforts to expand their infrastructure, promote sustainability, and foster economic growth.
