The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is planning a $15 million capacity-building and knowledge-sharing project to develop skilled manpower and promote modern, smart and green practices in Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry.
The proposed 2027–2031 project will focus on ship recycling, shipbuilding and ship maintenance through training, curriculum development, instructor capacity building and infrastructure support for the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Center.
KOICA Bangladesh Deputy Country Director Hyunwoo Yang said Korea wants to support Bangladesh in adopting modern technologies and improving skills in the ship recycling sector, particularly in advanced welding, modern work methods and technical expertise.
“There is a significant shortage of skilled manpower in Bangladesh’s ship recycling sector,” Yang said at an exchange meeting with Chattogram business leaders and industry representatives on Sunday.
According to a KOICA feasibility study, only 1–2 per cent of the workforce in Bangladesh’s ship recycling sector has the required level of skills.
“Bangladesh and Korea have agreed to work together toward developing the sector’s skills and technological capacity,” Yang said, adding that Korean ship recycling companies are also interested in recycling vessels at Bangladeshi yards.
The meeting, organised by the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the World Trade Center in Chattogram on Sunday, discussed industry requirements and priorities for the proposed project.
Under the initiative, the Bangladesh-Korea Technical Training Center will receive infrastructure support, while its curriculum will be updated and instructors will receive specialised training. Students will receive technical training aligned with ship recycling, shipbuilding and maintenance industries.
Chattogram Chamber President Mohammed Amirul Haque said Chattogram is emerging as Bangladesh’s investment and logistics hub, while the government is planning to develop a green shipbuilding hub at Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar. He said Sitakunda hosts one of Asia’s largest ship recycling industries.
“The Chattogram Chamber welcomes Korea’s new initiative to build capacity and develop skilled human resources in this sector,” Haque said.
Chamber Senior-Vice President Md Amjad Hossain Chowdhury said the ship recycling sector has an estimated annual turnover of Tk25,000–30,000 crore. He said shipyard owners are increasingly adopting modern technologies and transforming their facilities into environmentally friendly green yards.
“KOICA’s initiative to develop skilled manpower will further enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the ship recycling industry,” Chowdhury said.
Other speakers called for international-standard technical training covering shipbreaking, shipbuilding and ship maintenance to develop skilled workers for domestic industries and overseas employment, including in South Korea.
