Pvt sector urged to come forward

Bangladesh can earn a substantial amount of foreign exchange and generate employment opportunities by properly exploring and utilising the untapped marine resources of the Bay of Bengal, experts opined.

The country could not harness the potential of marine resources mainly due to lack of funds, skilled human resources, institutions and appropriate technology despite its tremendous potential for turning into a 'Blue Economy', they added.

These opinions came at a seminar titled 'Marine Resources Management of Bangladesh in the Context of Newly Demarcated Boundary' in the capital on Thursday.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam attended the programme as the chief guest.

Acknowledging the shortcomings of the public sector in utilising the country's marine resources he urged the private sector to come forward and invest in exploring the resources to boost the economy.

Underlining turning into 'Blue Economy' as a window of opportunity for development, the minister said the Bay of Bengal can be a hub of economic development and prosperity for Bangladesh.

Marine resources can significantly contribute to development of potential sectors, like - fishery, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and aquaculture-based industry, and also enhance foreign trade and foreign exchange earning, he also said.

"The state will assume the primary responsibility in sustainable management of marine resources. But the private sector should continue to play a key role in ensuring their utilisation in various sectors," he added.

The seminar, organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), was addressed by Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) President Syed Nasim Manzur, and BIISS Director General Maj. Gen. AKM Abdur Rahman, among others.

BIISS Board of Governors Chairman Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed presided over the programme.

Held at BIISS conference room, the seminar was attended by a number of civil and military officials, including current and former ambassadors, representatives of think-tanks, academics, experts and policy-makers.

Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral Khurshed Alam presented a paper titled "Challenges of Maritime Boundary and Prospect of Blue Economy in the Bay of Bengal".

DU Professor Dr. Kawser Ahmed presented a paper titled "Maritime Resources Management of Bangladesh in the Context of Newly Demarcated Boundary".

In his paper Mr Khurshed Alam dwelt on the long historical background of Bangladesh-India-Myanmar maritime disputes as well as on huge wealth of living and non-living marine resources that remain untapped in the Bay of Bengal.

Dr. Kawser Ahmed in his paper said: "There are two kinds of resources in the ocean - living and non-living. Both resources are very important for our economy's development."

Petrobangla Director Mr Kamruzzaman dwelt on offshore oil and gas that remain untapped in the Bay of Bengal, and can play a vital role in meeting the country's rising energy demand.

The MCCI president said the concept of 'Blue Economy' is receiving substantial attention from major global actors, like - Japan, China and the European Union. The government should also emphasise developing human resources, and seek foreign investment to explore and develop marine economy.

He also said there are as many as 17 different agencies in India, which are working for developing marine resources to enhance the country's food and energy security.

Chinese maritime economy grew at 17 per cent annually in the 1980s, and can be about 10 per cent of the national GDP. The economy is expected to generate 2.6 million new jobs by 2015.  

Likewise, the European Union (EU) has announced its 'Blue Growth' strategy for sustainable development of marine and maritime sectors to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy, he added.

mzrbd@yahoo.com