Bangladeshi interim government is fast-tracking foreign direct investment (FDI) deals to bring international firms into the Chittagong port operations, aiming to finalize transparent agreements by October 2025.
This push comes amid a continued decline in FDI, with inflows falling by 13.2% in 2024 to $1.27 billion, according to UNCTAD and the World Investment Report 2025. The Chittagong seaport is currently seen as the most attractive FDI destination, drawing interest from global port operators such as DP World (UAE), PSA Singapore, and APM Terminals (Maersk).
Efforts are being coordinated by the Shipping Ministry, CPA, BIDA, and the Chief Adviser’s Office, with the goal of turning the port into a regional maritime hub within three years. To facilitate this, a new port tariff structure—approved by the Ministry of Finance—is awaiting legal vetting and gazette notification. Foreign investors will be allowed to set tariffs only for services where they make capital investments, preventing monopolistic pricing.
The government has committed to transparency in contracts, with the Shipping Adviser confirming all agreements will be public and free of ambiguity.
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