The minister said that the country's nearly 16,000 kilometers of natural waterways and the strategic location of the Bay of Bengal have created huge opportunities in maritime trade. To this end, initiatives have been taken to increase the capacity of Chattogram and Mongla seaports, construct the Matarbari deep seaport, and make Payra Port effective. He also mentioned that there are opportunities to increase employment through investment in shipbuilding, repair, offshore exploration, and logistics, as well as by creating skilled seafarers suitable for the international market.
Emphasizing environmental protection, he said that it is essential to maintain ecological balance and ensure the use of environmentally friendly fuel in extracting marine resources. At the time, he called upon international partners and the public and private sectors to work together for the sustainable development of the maritime sector.
The special guests at the event included Ambassador of the Netherlands Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of Myanmar U Kyaw Soe Moe, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Maritime University Rear Admiral Md. Niamat Elahi, and Director General of the Department of Shipping Commodore Md. Shafiqul Bari.


