Maersk Line, one of the world's leading shipping and logistics companies, has signalled interest in direct investment in Bangladesh's shipbuilding industry.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir also discussed the possibility of Maersk investing in the country's ship recycling sector during a meeting at his residence on Saturday, the commerce ministry said.

Denmark's Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Moller and AP Moller Singapore Managing Director Rene Piil Pedersen attended the meeting.

The Danish envoy said Maersk Line was keen to invest directly in the shipbuilding sector, noting the company's longstanding global reputation in ship operations, shipping and logistics.

Muktadir urged Maersk to expand its investment beyond shipbuilding into Bangladesh's ship recycling industry as well.

He said Maersk operates a large fleet of vessels worldwide, positioning Bangladesh as a potential hub for both environmentally sound, internationally compliant recycling of its older ships and the construction of new ones.

The session highlighted the country’s “deep-rooted” experience and growth potential across both shipbuilding and recycling.

Attracting major international investment, it was said, would boost the industrialisation drive while unlocking further blue economy opportunities.

Such investment could also play a key role in generating employment, transferring technology and skills, and developing related industries, the meeting noted.