‘Marine and offshore industry can contribute more to economy’

Bangladesh has attained global recognition as a shipbuilding and exporting nation through the good performance of the marine and offshore industry which can contribute more to the economy, said Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun.

He said this while inaugurating the 4th edition of Bangladesh International Marine and Offshore Expo 2022 (BIMOX 2022) in Dhaka on Thursday.

The three-day long exhibition is jointly organised by Savor International Limited and Fireworks Trade Media Group to boost business opportunities between local organisations and foreign companies in the marine and offshore Industry.

“We are trying to attract more foreign investors for the shipbuilding sector,” the minister said.

Marine and offshore is a potential sector that has a great contribution to the economy of Bangladesh.

At present, nearly 10,000 inland and coastal ships and 36 foreign going ships are plying all over the country, which carries more than 90 per cent of total oil product, 70 per cent of cargo and 35 per cent of passengers.

More than 150,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers are employed in this labour-intensive sector.

In addition, trawlers, boats, and vessels are made by local companies by adopting modern technologies and practices.