UAE to talk deep-sea port with govt
A delegation of the United Arab Emirates led by Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Bint Khaled Al Qasimi arrives in Dhaka this morning to discuss with Bangladesh officials a proposal from a Dubai-based firm to build a deep-sea port here.
The UAE has urged Bangladesh to consider the proposal by DP World, the world's third-largest port operator.
Sheikha Lubna, who will lead a five-member team, will have talks with the prime minister, foreign minister, shipping minister and other high officials.
Sultan Bin Ahmed Sulaiman, chairman of Dubai-headquartered DP World, is part of the UAE team.
The UAE on behalf of DP World expressed interest to start building a deep sea port here in mid-2012, a official of the foreign ministry said.
The firm also proposed to undertake modernisation of Mongla Port, build a container terminal at New Mooring in Chittagong and an internal container depot at Gazipur.
During its one-day stay in Dhaka, the delegation will hold talks with the ministers of finance, foreign affairs and shipping. It will also pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The team will also meet with the Board of Investment and discuss the investment climate in Bangladesh.
Asked about the progress in the DP World proposal, a senior official of the foreign ministry said the ministry was yet to hear the proposal at length. China has already shown interest in the project and discussion has already taken place at the highest levels of the two countries, he added.
The foreign ministry will compare the details of the two proposals, prior to further decisions.
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