Dhaka: Member of the German Bundestag Boris Mijatovic today called on Labour and Employment and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (R.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain at his Secretariat office. During the meeting, they exchanged views on various issues related to the labour and shipping sectors, including the development of Bangladesh’s labour sector, progress in renewable energy, strengthening investment and trade cooperation, and ongoing activities under GIZ, Germany’s development cooperation agency, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the shipping adviser highlighted the growing potential of Bangladesh’s promising shipbuilding industry and urged German investors to invest in this sector. He noted that Bangladesh is a significant maritime nation, possessing three sea ports in addition to a deep seaport under construction at Matarbari, as well as 54 inland river ports. About one-third of the country’s population is linked to the maritime sector in various ways.
Sakhawat emphasized that Bangladeshi shipyards are producing oceangoing vessels of international standards, which are being exported to developed countries. He encouraged German investors to capitalize on Bangladesh’s skilled and affordable workforce by investing in the rapidly growing shipbuilding industry and sought German investment in building an international-standard dockyard at Matarbari.
Referring to Bangladesh’s candidacy for membership in Category ‘C’ of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026-27 term, the adviser sought support from the German government in the upcoming election. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to maritime sector development among all IMO member states. In response, the German parliament member assured full cooperation from his government.
The adviser expressed a firm commitment to strengthening the existing friendly and cooperative relations between Bangladesh and Germany, particularly in shipbuilding, port infrastructure development, and related sectors. He also highlighted initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh’s interim government to protect workers’ rights and promote occupational health and safety.
Furthermore, Sakhawat urged the German parliament member to convey to global buyer brands the importance of ensuring fair prices for Bangladeshi products. Both sides emphasized the need to enhance mutual cooperation in the labour and maritime sectors and to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.
The meeting was attended by Labour and Employment Secretary Dr. Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Shipping Secretary (Routine Charge) Delwora Begum, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rudiger Lotz, Research Assistant Denise-Kathrin Bentele, and senior officials of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.