Economic Reporter :
‘Bangladesh consistently maintains 6.5 percent GDP growth over the last 10 years and now it is time to achieve 7percent-8percent GDP growth to become a middle-income country by 2021. Blue economy would play a role in this regard’
Speakers at a programme observed that it is necessary to develop policy, infrastructure and expertise to explore the potentials of emerging blue economy in a bid to eradicating poverty and creating employment.
They made the observations at a seminar styled “Blue Economy: New Frontier, New Possibility” organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday.
DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan chaired the event while Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud addressed the seminar as the chief guest. The programme was also attended by Thai Ambassador Panpimon Suwannapongse, Malaysian High Commissioner Nur Ashikin binti Mohd Taib and Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner Masurai Masri as special guests.
“The Bay of Bengal could be the powerhouse of our economy by exploring the potentials of blue economy. Though we have a very small findings, our businesses should go for deep sea fishing, trusting that the sector has a tremendous potential,” said Anisul Islam Mahmud.
He said the blue economy will also open maritime economic activities including aquaculture, coastal shipping, coastal and cruise tourism, offshore drilling, renewable energy, biotechnology, salt production and shipbuilding.
The government has already set up a cell – Blue Economy Cell (BEC) – for tapping the opportunities from blue economy, the minister said, hoping that Bangladesh will benefit from blue economy.
