Govt scrutinising DP World’s proposals for NCT prioritising national interests: shipping minister

The government is scrutinising the proposals of UAE-based port operator DP World to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), giving top priority to safeguarding the interests of the country and its people, said Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam in Chattogram today.

“There are many positive aspects to DP World’s proposals. We are negotiating how we can further align it (these aspects) with our needs and ensure it serves the interests of the state,” said the minister.

The bargaining process is ongoing, Rabiul added.

The minister was talking to journalists this afternoon, after visiting different establishments of Chittagong port including RSGT Terminal, formerly known as Patenga Container Terminal, as well as the sites of proposed Laldia Terminal and Bay Terminal.

The immediate past interim government was close to signing the deal with DP World to run the port’s most equipped and functional terminal NCT before the parliament election. But it postponed the move in the wake of an indefinite strike by the port’s employees led by pro-BNP organisations.

In reply to a question, the shipping minister said he already held several meetings with the prime minister on the issue of the proposed deal with DP World on NCT.

“Some of the proposals given by the DP World are positive. On the other hand, there are some proposals which might cause financial loss if compared to current revenue that the port authority earns currently,” said the minister.

The minister said the government is currently scrutinising how the interest of the country and people can be protected.

“We are considering their (DP World) proposals giving top priority to safeguarding the country’s interest

“Whatever decision the government takes will be in line with the policies of the government led by the PM, where the interests of the state and the people will come first,” he said.

State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan, Shipping Secretary Zakaria, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, and other senior officials were present.