Boosting regional cooperation in focus

A two-day international conference in Dhaka, to increase regional cooperation for developing infrastructure in shipping sector and maritime logistics, will begin tomorrow. 

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan and Shipping Secretary Abdus Samad yesterday at a press conference at Khan's secretariat office provided details on the conference to reporters.

Abdus Samad said the South Asia Maritime and Logistics Forum 2018 is being held for the second time. The first conference was held in Mumbai, India.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the conference at Hotel Le Méridien Dhaka tomorrow.

The conference is a joint initiative of the shipping ministry, India's Gateway Media Private Ltd and Sri Lanka's Colombo Maritime Conference Events.

Around 120 government and private representatives from 20 countries including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan are set to participate in the conference, he informed. Several ministers will also take part in the event. 

Participants at the two-day conference will discuss the obstacles to development of ports in South Asia and how regional trade among the countries can be improved by using the ports, he said, adding that ways for development of shipping in Bangladesh and prospects for investment in the sector will also be discussed.

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said sailors, engineers and pilots of Bangladesh earn foreign currency and contribute to the country's economy in the maritime sector.  The government has set up Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University so that efficient manpower can be developed for the shipping sector.

The minister said through the international conference, more information and insights can be gained so that shipping and maritime sectors can contribute more to the economy.

On the first day, a plenary session will be held on investment opportunities and infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed will be the chief guest at the conference. Officials will present the prospects in these sectors. A transport specialist of the World Bank will also speak.

In five business sessions, port infrastructure in South Asia, cargo transportation system, dredging, ship-building, and intra-regional trade will be discussed.

Besides, businessmen from Bangladesh and other countries will hold one-to-one meetings on trade prospects on the sidelines of the conference.