Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG) and Masdar, two major companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yesterday put forward plans to invest in port development, management and logistics as well as the renewable energy sector in Bangladesh.

Ahmad Ibrahim Al Mutawa, chief executive officer of ADPG, and Fatima Almadhloum Alsuwaidi, head of development and investment for the Asia-Pacific Region at Masdar, presented the investment proposals when they called on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Of the companies, Masdar, a renewable energy company, proposed to invest $500 million in reclaimed land on the coast to set up a 250-megawatt solar power project.

"Bangladesh is ready for business," the chief adviser said while appreciating the investment proposals.

"Bring your people and set up as many plants as you want," he added.

ADPG is the fourth major port handler and logistics company, after DP World of the UAE, AP Moller Maersk of Denmark, and Red Sea Gateway Terminal of Saudi Arabia, to express interest in Bangladesh's port management in less than a week.

The Abu Dhabi-based company has expressed interest in developing one of the proposed three bay terminals through financing, operating and maintaining container and multipurpose terminal and other facilities under a joint venture with the Chittagong Port Authority.

Group CEO Al Mutawa praised the welcoming attitude of Bangladeshi authorities and hoped the investment would help increase ship movement in Bangladeshi ports.

Masdar's regional head of investment, Alsuwaidi said they are very supportive of showcasing new ideas to Bangladesh."

Abdulla Ali ALHmoudi, the UAE ambassador to Bangladesh, handed over an invitation from the Dubai ruler to the chief adviser to attend the "World Government Summit" in the UAE in February.

Khalilur Rahman, high representative of the chief adviser; and Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary for SDG affairs, among others, were also present.

Additionally, a seven-member delegation led by UAE Ambassador ALHmoudi made a call on Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain at his secretariat office in the capital yesterday.

The delegation included AD Ports Group CEO Ahmad Ibrahim Al Mutawa.

The shipping adviser urged the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group of the UAE to invest in the infrastructure development of Mongla port.

The adviser said Mongla Port, the country's second-largest seaport, would be transformed into a regional trade hub, according to a press release issued by the shipping ministry.

With the development of waterway, road, and railway infrastructure, it is now possible to transport goods easily from this port to different parts of the country, he informed.

"At the same time, the use of this port has become a great potential for the neighbouring countries of Nepal, India, and Bhutan. In this context, domestic and foreign investors, including AD Ports Group, have excellent investment opportunities in Mongla port," the adviser said.

Welcoming the adviser's proposal, the delegate members informed the meeting that AD Ports Group is interested in investing in the infrastructure development of various ports in Bangladesh, including Chattogram and Mongla, the press release said.