DP World to survey possibility of deep-sea port at Payra

Dubai Port World, one of the world’s largest marine terminal operators, has responded positively to the proposal to survey the possibility of building a deep-sea port at Patuakhali’s Payra.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Dubai-based company, met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at St Regis Hotel on the second day of her Abu Dhabi visit on Sunday.

Besides the deep-sea port, the prime minister asked the company to survey the possibility of building a marine drive from Chittagong’s Mirsarai to Teknaf and a specialised economic zone.

The DP World chairman was positive about the proposals, said the prime minister’s media advisor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury.

Briefing the reporters after the meeting, he said, “DP World has built ports in many countries. They have experience in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This was discussed."

The Emirati firm, with above 30,000 employees, is currently working in more than 60 countries in six continents.

It plans to expand its operations and take up more projects in 10 countries.

They have the experience of building London Gateway, a development on the north bank of the River Thames.

Secretary at Prime Minister’s Office Abul Kalam Azad said: “Payra has been given special importance at the meeting for only one reason. Seaport activities have started in Payra recently. Moreover, there will be a naval base there.”

Highlighting Payra’s importance in regional connectivity, he said the prime minister had already discussed construction of a deep-sea port at Payra with DP World.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque said Hasina held a long meeting with DP World chairman and discussed the Emirati company’s investment potentials in Bangladesh.

He said the prime minister highlighted the potentials of Bangladesh's resourceful maritime areas following settlement of maritime disputes with India and Myanmar.

The two sides discussed how much Bangladesh could benefit from DP World’s experiences in recovering lands from the sea and constructing ports and other infrastructures there.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali was present at Hasina’s meeting with the DP World chairman.