Dhaka:Shipping, Railways, and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam emphasized the importance of modern technology, skilled workforce, and international cooperation in harnessing the potential of Bangladesh's shipping and maritime sectors to boost economic growth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted Bangladesh's significant opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair, recycling, port management, maritime transport, logistics, and offshore oil and gas exploration. He made these remarks while inaugurating the '8th BIMOX 2026', an international exhibition for maritime and offshore industries, held in the city's Basundhara area.
Rabiul Alam stated that strategic investment and development of technical capabilities and skilled workforce are crucial for these sectors to contribute significantly to the national economy. He noted Bangladesh's strategic location and extensive waterways offer substantial growth prospects for shipping, port management, maritime trade, and logistics.
He also mentioned ongoing initiatives to enhance the capacity of key sea ports, modernize port management, and develop a deep-sea port at Matarbari. These efforts aim to expand trade, improve cargo transportation efficiency, and strengthen Bangladesh's position in the international supply chain.
Highlighting the potential of the shipping sector, Rabiul Alam stressed the need for increased investment and technical capability enhancement to create jobs and boost economic contributions. He emphasized improving training quality to meet international demands and integrating more skilled seafarers into the global labor market.
The minister underscored the role of international cooperation, noting that technical expertise and management skills from experienced maritime nations could significantly aid Bangladesh's development. He pointed out that international exhibitions like BIMOX facilitate business networking, technology exchange, and investment opportunities.
Rabiul Alam also stressed the importance of environmental protection, advocating for sustainable marine resource use and the adoption of eco-friendly practices. He noted ongoing discussions on using environmentally friendly fuels in international shipping, highlighting the need for planned progress in line with Bangladesh's technical and financial capabilities.
The minister concluded by acknowledging the necessity of collaborative efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, and international partners to fully realize the potential of the shipping and maritime sector. He thanked the event organizers and encouraged continued support from domestic and international organizations for the sector's development.