Bangladesh is looking to broaden its partnership with global logistics giant DP World beyond port operations, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman seeking the UAE-based company’s investment in free trade zones and rail-based inland container depots.

The prime minister made the proposal on Thursday when a DP World delegation led by Board Chairman Essa Kazim met him at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting focused on expanding Bangladesh-UAE trade and investment, port management and the development of the country’s logistics sector.

The talks also covered the recently signed 15-year concession agreement between Bangladesh and DP World for the operation and modernisation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port.

Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the container terminal along with its overflow container yard. The partnership is expected to improve terminal efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh’s port and logistics infrastructure.

During the meeting, Tarique asked the DP World delegation about its interest in establishing free trade zones and rail-based inland container depots in Bangladesh, as well as pursuing additional investment in the country.

The DP World representatives expressed interest in cooperation and investment in the proposed areas, according to the Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary Md Nazmul Haque Khan.

The discussions come as Bangladesh seeks to modernise its logistics network and attract more international investment into trade-related infrastructure. The government has already been pursuing reforms aimed at encouraging foreign participation in logistics, including free trade zones and inland container depot operations.

The latest talks could therefore mark the beginning of a broader Bangladesh-DP World partnership, extending beyond the operation of a major Chattogram port terminal to wider trade and logistics infrastructure.

The two sides also discussed ways to deepen Bangladesh-UAE economic ties and make the country’s logistics system more efficient and competitive.