Dhaka: Japan's leading shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has shown a keen interest in investing in Bangladesh's burgeoning ship recycling sector and is considering providing technological cooperation. The company is aiming to forge a long-term partnership focused on environmentally friendly ship recycling, technology transfer, and the development of skilled human resources, as outlined in a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a high-level delegation from MOL met with Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the Ministry of Industries to discuss potential collaboration. During the meeting, the minister highlighted the critical role that ship recycling and shipbuilding could play in Bangladesh's industrialization, employment generation, and economic growth. He emphasized that development in these sectors would not only enhance industrial capacity but also facilitate technology transfer, skilled manpower development, and expansion of investment and export capacity.
Minister Muktadir pointed out that Bangladesh is currently one of the leading countries in ship recycling, boasting a skilled workforce and the necessary infrastructure. The country houses around 31 green ship recycling facilities, with plans to increase this number significantly in the coming years. He stated that Bangladesh's ambitions extend beyond recycling old ships to establishing a robust foundation for the shipbuilding industry, leveraging existing capabilities.
The minister further noted that Japan's technological expertise, advanced management practices, and extensive experience in shipbuilding could provide essential support to Bangladesh. He expressed optimism that mutual trust and cooperation between the two nations could transform the ship recycling and shipbuilding sectors into a strong industrial base. Additionally, he mentioned that such cooperation holds significance for Japan as a maritime trade-dependent nation, with maritime transport and the shipbuilding industry being closely linked to Bangladesh's import of raw materials, industrial production, and export activities.
The MOL delegation, which included Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, MOL General Manager Kentaro Ueda, Global Ship Recycling Project Manager Takaha Uematsu, MOL Senior Director Senji Tokumoto, and senior ministry officials, reiterated their interest in investment, technological collaboration, skills development, and establishing a long-term partnership in Bangladesh's ship recycling sector.