Commerce Reporter
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government will provide policy and infrastructural support to increase exports from the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors, considering their growing potential in the international market.
“The government is giving priority to both sectors to tap the growing demand in the global market,” he said, adding that the government and private sector are taking coordinated initiatives to enhance domestic capacity and resolve bank guarantee-related complications faced by private shipyards.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting with senior officials and stakeholders of Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) at the CDDL conference room in Chattogram.
Muktadir said several thousand old ships will undergo recycling globally over the next five to seven years.
“Bangladesh is increasing the number of environmentally compliant green shipyards to tap this market potential,” he said, adding that several green yards have already received approval while some others remain under the approval process.
He said the ship recycling sector could generate several billion US dollars in foreign exchange annually in the future, said a Commerce Ministry press release.
The minister stressed compliance with international standards and strengthening design capabilities to expand ship exports.
“Bangladesh must ensure international compliance to enter the European and North American markets,” he said, adding that the government plans to establish a modern design and skills development centre in partnership with stakeholders from countries such as Norway and the Netherlands.
Muktadir also identified bank guarantees as a major obstacle for private shipyards in implementing export orders.
He said the government is working to introduce a “hybrid model” involving private companies and dockyards under the Bangladesh Navy to resolve the issue.
“Under the model, private companies will be able to complete shipbuilding projects by using bank guarantee facilities under government supervision,” he said.
The minister also said a high-level committee comprising representatives from the ministries of Shipping; Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Commerce will work in a coordinated manner to develop the two sectors.
At the meeting, officials highlighted the potential of Chattogram Dry Dock for building large vessels. They stressed the need for modern cranes, fabrication shops, design facilities and additional construction docks to utilise the facility’s full potential.
Commander of Chattogram Naval Area Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Hoque, Area Superintendent of the Dockyard Rear Admiral Md Ruhul Minhaj and Managing Director of Chattogram Dry Dock Limited Commodore Mohammad Joynal Abedin attended the meeting, among others.
Senior officials of the Bangladesh Navy and CDDL and representatives of relevant ministries were also present.
Later, the commerce minister visited Karnaphuli Dry Dock in Anwara upazila. Its Managing Director Engineer Abdur Rashid was present during the visit.
