Call to uphold Bangladesh’s maritime progress to world

The capabilities of Bangladesh's maritime sector should be highlighted at the international level, said Payra Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Golam Sadeq on Thursday. 

"This will result in more foreign investment in our country. We will be able to develop this maritime sector as the main economic driving force of the country through partnership with them," he said while inaugurating an exhibition titled "Marinetech Bangladesh Expo and Conference on Marine Trade" in Dhaka. 

Organised by ExpoNet in association with the Department of Shipping, 75 institutions from six countries are participating in the three-day expo at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital. 

The exhibitors include dockyards and shipyards, shipwrights and ship agents, ship recycling, designers, port operators, C&F, maritime academies, recruitment agencies, launch and coastal ship, navigation and marine equipment import and export companies, Chattogram and Payra Ports authorities, Saif Powertech Group, Khulna Shipyard, Dockyard and Engineering Works, and Chattogram Dry Dock.

The exhibition will be open for all from 10am to 8pm daily.

Sk Md Rashedul Haque, managing director of ExpoNet, said, "The Marinetech Exhibition serves as a vital platform for sharing maritime technology and knowledge from developed countries. By participating in this exhibition, attendees gain exposure to modern technologies and have the opportunity to analyse the strategies employed by foreign consultants and experts."

He mentioned that one of the primary objectives for international maritime trade by 2030 is to transform Bangladesh's maritime sector into an environment-friendly industry through the implementation of digitisation and decarbonisation initiatives. 

"To achieve this goal, the event will host five network conferences in conjunction with the exhibition. There will be a discussion on smart ports, shipbuilding, breaking and green ship recycling, shipping business beyond boundary and maritime education in Bangladesh," he added.

Payra Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Golam Sadeq said the maritime sector has taken full strides between 2012 and 2013. 

"While maintaining friendly relations with our neighbouring countries, we have managed to safeguard our maritime borders without any trouble. It is a citable example in today's world. We are moving forward by harnessing the sea to enrich our nation's economy," he added.