Blue economy potential is enormous: Experts

Experts at a workshop on Tuesday expressed that the prospect and potential of the blue economy is enormous and it is possible to earn more than $2.5 billion by the year 2030.

They also urged the authorities concerned to remove the bottlenecks in implementing the policy decision and master plan already designed in this regard.

The workshop was held at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar. Economic Reporters Forum organised the workshop in cooperation with some government agencies concerned.

Md Shafiqur Islam, an expert from JICA, presented a keynote paper at the workshop.

ERF President Refayetullah Mirdha presided over the inaugural session while ERF Assistant General Secretary Mizanur Rahman moderated the event.

Former ERF Presidents Sharmin Rinvy, Saiful Islam Dilal, General Secretaries SM Rashidul Islam, Md Nurul Islam Khan, Abdur Rahim Haramachi addressed the workshop, among others.

Describing the potential of ocean resources, the keynote speaker said a comprehensive planning and its strict implementation a must to practically tap the blue economy potential.

Expressing concern over the environmental issues, experts suggested taking serious measures to keep the seashore areas clean and preventing tourists from throwing plastic materials and other wastage and this has to be ensured through enacting laws.

The government has urged JICA to provide technical support in preserving sea fish, to keep them fresh and toxin free.

Fisheries Enhancement & Livelihood Project (FELP) is working for better production of dried fish.