Minister calls for more investment in shipping sector

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Thursday called upon the private sector to invest more in the shipping sector of the country as it has huge potential.

“An unprecedented success has been brought in the shipping sector thanks to the government’s integrated plan. The sector is a significant one like roads and railways for business and trade. Therefore, the sector has to be expanded,” the minister said while addressing at a programme in the capital.

The shipping ministry and department organised the event marking the World Maritime Day-2021 with the slogan “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future”.

Humayun also said the connectivity of Bangladesh with other developed countries of the globe increased vastly through the waterways in recent years. The government has also taken some initiatives to create skilled manpower for strengthening the sector.

“The lifestyle of sailors is very challenging. The global bodies and naval authorities concerned should give special attention to them. As our government is a democratic government, we will resolve existing problems in the sector by consulting with all,” the minister added.

Humayun launched the e-service for the Department of Shipping which has a certificate of proficiency system, a rating roster management system and an inland vessel registration system.

Among other speakers, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said they had taken initiatives to restore navigability by freeing all occupied rivers across the country.

“No one is our opponent. We would like to work together and move forward to achieve our goals, not to involve in any trade war,” he also said.

Chairman of parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Shipping Major (Retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam said the seas connect all countries of the world. The population of the globe would be around 10 billion by 2030. That is why the maritime sector must be expanded.

“Bangladesh has to notice the all maritime issues and take its opportunities. Private sectors can play significant role here,” he added.

Shipping Secretary Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury said the government had been able to achieve vision-2021 under the leadership by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and he was hopeful the government would succeed to achieve vision-2041 too.

“We are working for the sake of seafarers to resolve their problems. As the world is changing, we have also changed the academic education system at the marine institutes,” he added.

On the occasion, awards and honours were given away in five categories for special contribution in the shipping sector.

These are SR Shipping Limited for Ship Acquisition, PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries Limited for Green Ship Recycling, Haque and Sons Limited for Ship Fair Employment, Bangladesh Marine Academy for Maritime Training and Captain Nasir Uddin and crews of the MV Jawad Ship for bravery in the sea.