Blue Economy – if utilised properly – has the potential to contribute around 4% of Bangladesh’s GDP by playing an important role in the country’s economic growth in terms of poverty alleviation, ensuring food and nutrition security, and combating the impacts of climate change.
Twenty-six maritime economic functions, including fishing, maritime trade and shipping, energy generation, tourism, mineral extraction, coastal protection and maritime safety will be integral for the development of the blue economy in Bangladesh.
The Blue Economy offers opportunities for a sustainable, clean and equitable blue growth in traditional and emerging local sectors, Rear Admiral Md. Khurshed Alam (Retd), secretary at the Maritime Affairs Unit under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a seminar on 7 February 2021.
Presenting the keynote at the seminar titled “Bangabandhu’s Vision and Blue Economy” organised by the shipping ministry, Rear Admiral Md. Khurshed Alam (retd) said, “Fisheries, aquaculture and mariculture will contribute towards food security and nutrition, as well as employment of millions of people.
Speaking as the chief guest, International Affairs adviser to the Prime Minister Gowher Rizvi said, “The Blue Economy, which offers bountiful resources, has significant value and it is an enormous area of opportunity for Bangladesh.
Gowher Rizvi also emphasised the need for well-trained, skilled and educated human resources – who are the driving force for a dynamic and sustainable development of an economy. “To achieve our Target 2041, we have to start working right now,” he concluded.
At the event, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said, “We got 1.19 lakh square kilometres in the Bay of Bengal, and using this resource, we will eradicate poverty in Bangladesh by ensuring plenty of food and employment.” The shipping ministry is making a serious effort to build the infrastructure strong to cater the process, he added.
