Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Saturday said the green shipbuilding industry could become the country’s next forex giant, after the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector.
He made the remark while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on “Green Shipbuilding: A New Frontier for Export Diversification” at a city hotel. International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) organized the event.
Adilur added, “If the garment sector is our first great leap into global trade, green shipbuilding can be our next great leap – delivering both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
“Globally compliant green ships carrying the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand with pride – this is not an impossible dream. It is within our grasp if we act now with vision, urgency, and unity.”
Adilur Pointed out, “The world no longer wants just ships, it wants green ships. Green shipbuilding is no longer just a name. It is rapidly becoming a global standard. Countries that can design, build, and export eco-friendly, low-emission vessels will lead the maritime economy of tomorrow.
“Bangladesh can seize this opportunity to become a global hub for sustainable shipbuilding.”
The adviser pointed out, “We can lead South Asia in eco-friendly maritime technology, create thousands of high-skilled jobs in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing, and help fight climate change while growing our own industry.”
Adilur noted that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to cut carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2050.
Adding that shipping companies now demand cleaner, fuel-efficient vessels, the adviser said, “If Bangladesh develops energy-efficient designs, uses LNG, hybrid, and solar-powered systems, and adopts sustainable materials, we can tap into the green ship market-boosting exports, R&D, technology transfer, and industrial growth.
“Green shipbuilding is a strategic priority. The Ministry of Industries will create more facilities and build international partnerships for the green shipbuilding industry. We will work closely with the Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Environment, and other stakeholders to ensure clear regulations and an investment-friendly environment.”
The industries adviser also said that true transformation must come from entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.
He pointed out, “Shipyards should gain global green certifications, use renewable energy in production, and offer customized eco-friendly vessels for global customers. IBFB can connect industry, policymakers, financiers, and global markets to facilitate this.”
Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Finance Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury spoke in the programme as special guest, while Policy Research Institute (PRI) Chairman and CEO Dr Zaidi Sattar gave a presentation.
IBFB President Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan, Director Engineer Md Sakhawat Hossain, and ex-president Humayun Rashid spoke on the occasion.