Sustainable blue economy needs investment, technology

The Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) formally commenced at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka, on Tuesday.

Jointly organised by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) and Peace and Policy Solutions (Bangladesh), the two-day event brings together senior policymakers, experts, and development partners from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and India's Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Throughout January 13-14, the dialogue will host a series of high-level panels, covering themes such as: advancing sustainable blue economy strategies in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing regional connectivity through ports and shipping, financing partnerships, climate adaptation, disaster governance, science-policy interfaces and inclusive livelihoods through fisheries and tourism.

Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President, Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan, said in his remarks: "The Indian Ocean, often referred to as the "Great Middle Bay," connects over thirty-three nations and nearly three billion people. For Japan, this ocean is not only a critical maritime corridor-facilitating about 78 per cent of our energy imports-but also a shared space where our destinies intertwine"

In his address as the chief guest, Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of MIDA, said: "The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world-where resources, commerce, and connectivity converge. But for Bangladesh to harness its full maritime potential, we must elevate our actions and forge robust partnerships. Sustainable blue economy requires investment, technology, and the shared commitment of our partners across the region."

The opening session was also addressed by Abdulla Siyaz, Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade, Maldives, Keynote Presenter Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow, Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), Commodore Tanzim Faruq, Member, MIDA, Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (Bangladesh) and Dr. Moogdho Mahzab, Adviser, Peace and Policy Solutions.