A UAE-based port terminal handling entity DP World has expressed keenness to run Chittagong Port's New Mooring Container Terminal and Bay Terminal.
Officials involved made the disclosure in the port city on Wednesday.
According to an Economic Relations Division (ERD) official who is familiar with the process, "They expressed the interest in the 4th Bangladesh-UAE Joint Commission meeting held in Abu Dhabi on February 5-6."
Bangladesh side, he added, would review the proposal of the enterprise, which operates 78 marine and inland terminals supported by over 50 related businesses in 40 countries.
BSS said State Minister for Finance and Planning MA Mannan and UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash led their respective sides during the meeting, when the two sides also showed interest in initiating cooperation for development of renewable energy in Bangladesh.
The official also said, "Masdar Company, an energy enterprise, will share information regarding their experience and company portfolio to the Ministry of Energy of Bangladesh through diplomatic channels."
He said the meeting decided that Bangladesh would send proposals seeking assistance from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) for some priority projects along with their feasibility study reports.
"The ADFD has expressed its interest in studying the proposals," the official said adding that both sides agreed also to promote the exchange of technical assistance in agriculture sector.
Besides, a decision was taken under which Bangladesh will provide the UAE with a draft MoU on the cooperation in the field of agriculture between the two countries for their consideration.
Bangladesh and UAE also reached an agreement that the civil aviation authorities of both the countries would enhance the opportunities available under the air services arrangements by next April.
Bangladesh handed over UAE a draft MoU on programme exchange and media cooperation for their consideration.