Shipbreaking to be global leader ‘within 5 years’: Barua

AKM Moinuddin, UNB Staff Writer from China
Fujian, China, Aug 9 (UNB) - Bangladesh’s fast-growing shipbreaking industry will turn into a global leader “within next five years” and act as one of the key tools for driving economic growth, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said here today.
While certain sections are raising questions that are hindering the growth of the sector in the name of environmental stewardship, Barua told UNB Correspondent AKM Moinuddin that in two years from now, such doubts will have disappeared.
"We are moving in the right direction. Just wait and see. Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry will soon be recognized as a global example for its environment-friendly growth and expansion," he said.
He said the government is in touch with all stakeholders, and taking the required policy measures to help grow the sector while also protecting the environment and removing the hazards it poses to human beings.
"Since we're newcomers in the global market, we prefer to share ideas and experiences with leading shipbreaking nations to put the shipbreaking industry on a firm footing," he said.
Replying to a question Barua said there have been many developments in this sector and the government is giving its best effort for its healthy growth.
"We want to move forward in a transparent way, and won't compromise with anything that might pose threat to environment," he said firmly.
He said if the environmental aspects are not considered seriously, the industry will not be sustainable anyway.
Earlier, the Minister and the Bangladesh delegation visited two shipbreaking yards here including Fujian Saijiang Shipping Department Com Ltd.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry ABM Abul Kashem, Awami League lawmaker Muhibur Rahman Manik, additional Industries Secretary ABM Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Shipbreakers Association president Hefazatur Rahman, its member Kamal Uddin Ahmed, BUET Prof Prof Dr Aminul Islam, Association's technical adviser Captain Salahuddin Ahmed, and trade body leaders, among others were present.
Minister and the delegation members talked to the officials, workers and government representatives during the visit to the shipbreaking yards.
After visiting the yards, he told UNB that Bangladesh's shipbreaking industry is doing better than China .
"I think we're more environmentally friendly," he said.
Earlier, the Bangladesh delegation led by Industries Minister Dilip Barua arrived Hong Kong in the morning and later came to Ningde , FuJian , China .
END/UNB/AKM/China