As a result of the maritime economy or blue economy, the country will move further toward the developed world. A separate ministry or department should be formed to take the maritime economy forward. This will ensure proper use and maintenance of the country’s marine environment or marine resources.
A dialogue titled ‘Blue Economy: The Possibility of Institutionalisation in National Progress’ was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Saturday (14 May) at the initiative of the General Economics Department of the Planning Commission. The speakers discussed these things there. It was presided over by Secretary of the Planning Department Pradip Ranjan Chakraborty.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Ahmed Kaikaus took part in the dialogue. Speaking as the chief guest, he said that the steps taken by the government for the development of the maritime economy or blue economy will be reflected step by step. In the past, due to a lack of coordination, many projects did not bring the desired success. However, if you work in an organised way, it is possible to overcome all obstacles.
The maritime economy will also play a role in boosting the country’s GDP, the speakers said. Zuena Aziz, the Chief Coordinator for SDGs at the Prime Minister’s Office, said: “The blue economy will increase the country’s GDP by 3%. By doing this we will move further toward the developed world. Various effective measures are being taken to implement Blue Economy.’
Member of the General Economics Department of the Planning Commission (Secretary) Md. Kausar Ahmed presented the keynote address. Aminul Arefin, Project Manager of UNDP’s Social Security Policy Support Program, also presented an article on ‘Blue Economy and Social Security in Bangladesh’.
Officials from various government ministries related to the maritime economy and armed forces, port authorities and officials of research institutes, professors and researchers from different universities, and officials from various private and international organisations were present on the occasion.
The speakers said that till now various activities of the maritime economy have been conducted separately under different ministries of the Bangladesh government. The dialogue explains and analyses how the potential of the maritime economy in Bangladesh can be institutionalised in national progress. The speakers said that the Bangladesh Planning Commission could play an important role in sustainable growth and development by conducting various activities related to the maritime economy centrally.
