CPA News launched its voyage six years ago. This magazine allows interested readers, including the worldwide port community and stakeholders, to stay up to date on Bangladesh’s maritime sector. It also promotes sustainable and eco – friendly maritime topics in addressing the global climate change crisis. On its journey to the 7th year, the publication vows to sensitise the maritime sector by regularly showcasing all domestic and international best practices in order to make Vision 2041 a reality. Moreover, this magazine also has an online presence at cpanewsbd.com, where it covers important maritime news from Bangladesh with insights in addition to presenting regular magazine content.
Bangladesh is in the transition from a least developed economy to a developing economy. Although policymakers are apprehensive about anticipated obstacles in Bangladesh’s foreign trade after the transition, the historic direct freight service has instilled confidence. While direct shipping began with Italy, it is expected to quickly spread to other European countries and even beyond. In this context, our lead piece highlights the possibilities and potential surrounding direct maritime freight between Bangladesh and Europe.
Mohammad Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury was appointed as the secretary of the Ministry of Shipping on 27 February 2020. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Shipping is instrumental in keeping Bangladesh’s trade and commerce afloat, provides important and far-reaching measures such as maintaining seaports open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He spoke with CPA News exclusively about his working experience, as well as the problems, opportunities and accomplishments of the maritime industry.
Bangladesh is developing policy guidelines to strengthen its maritime capabilities. Naval modernisation, the establishment of a maritime university, as well as chairing and participating in maritime symposiums and discussions are examples of such endeavours. Besides, the country has already taken up certain steps to boost up Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal region. It is better positioned to devise a plan for the long-term exploration and utilisation of untapped maritime resources in the Bay of Bengal, as discussed in our story in the ‘Horizon’ section.
Bangladesh obtained sovereignty over more maritime space when maritime border disputes with Myanmar and India were resolved in 2012 and 2014, respectively, increasing the overall maritime space to 80% of the country’s total land area. The government has identified this area as a major source of economic growth and adopted the Blue Economy model to develop it effectively. Our article in the ‘Perspective’ section addressed the issue and concluded that policy reforms are required for Bangladesh’s Blue Economy to thrive.
Furthermore, the ‘News Bytes’ section will keep you up to date on all key maritime events and developments from the first quarter of this current year.
We gratefully accept your useful reviews and suggestions for new ways to enhance this maritime publication. Thank you for being with us all along, and please continue to be with us.
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