The Chattogram Port Authority will tomorrow sign a 30-year concession agreement with APM Terminals BV to design, finance, build and operate the Laldia Container Terminal under a public-private partnership framework, reports Dhaka's Daily New Age.

The deal, approved by Bangladesh's Cabinet Division, will see APM Terminals and a local partner manage construction and operations while ownership remains with CPA. The project is expected to bring in foreign direct investment of about US$550 million, the largest European equity investment in Bangladesh to date.

Officials said the new terminal will add more than 800,000 TEU annually, boosting capacity by 44 per cent and easing congestion at Chattogram's existing facilities. Commissioning is planned for 2030.

The port will feature energy-efficient equipment, night navigation and 24/7 operations, reducing freight costs and enabling direct global connectivity. CPA expects higher throughput to lift revenues through per-container fees, taxes and ancillary services.

The project is forecast to generate 500-700 direct jobs and thousands more in related industries. APM Terminals will introduce global safety and environmental standards, advanced technology and training programmes to build local expertise and modernize Bangladesh's logistics sector.

BIDA chief Ashik Chowdhury said the partnership demonstrates Bangladesh's ability to structure complex PPPs, signaling confidence to international investors and paving the way for further infrastructure projects across transport, energy and social sectors.