Ship Recycling: Bangladesh seeks Japan’s help for safer, cleaner industry
Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, has requested $100 million in assistance from Japan to improve the safety and sustainability of the country’s massive shipbreaking industry.
During a meeting with Japan’s Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hosaka Yasushi, Dr Mahmud highlighted Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in shipbreaking, dismantling a staggering 8,000 ships annually compared to neighbouring India’s 10,000.
He specifically requested Japan’s help, citing their successful efforts in upgrading India’s shipbreaking sector. Bangladesh hopes to replicate this progress and address the environmental and safety concerns often associated with this industry.
Seeking broader cooperation
The meeting wasn’t limited to shipbreaking. Dr. Mahmud also expressed a desire for continued Japanese support in other areas. He specifically requested:
- Development of Southern Chattogram: This initiative, known as BIG-B, aims to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development in the southern part of Chattogram city.
- Increased investment: The Foreign Minister encouraged more Japanese investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the special economic zones located in Araihazar and Mirsarai.
Strengthening ties and future aspirations
Dr. Mahmud emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing JICA-assisted infrastructure projects, including the Matarbari Deep Seaport, Power Plant, and the Dhaka Metro Rail.
The discussions also touched upon the Rohingya refugee crisis. Dr. Mahmud commended Japan’s efforts in finding a sustainable solution for the safe and dignified repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population to their homeland in Myanmar.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh hopes to finalize an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan by 2026, potentially securing favourable trade terms before graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in various international forums and pledged to continue collaborating towards global peace, security, and sustainable development. Dr. Mahmud also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Vice Minister for attending the ICPD30 Global Dialogue held in Dhaka.
In essence, this meeting signifies Bangladesh’s desire to leverage Japan’s expertise and resources to improve a critical industry, strengthen bilateral ties, and secure future economic benefits.
Dr. Mahmud highlighted that Bangladesh dismantles approximately 8,000 scrapped ships annually, whereas neighbouring India dismantles around 10,000 per year. “Japan has previously assisted India in improving their shipbreaking industry. Following that example, I sought their help for our sector as well,” he added.
In the same meeting, Dr. Mahmud also discussed the continuation of Japanese support through a long-term development plan for Southern Chattogram under the BIG-B initiative. This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the need for increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the special economic zones in Araihazar and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar in Mirsarai, Chattogram. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s trade negotiating team, which is set to visit Dhaka from May 19-23, 2024, for the first round of Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.
Dr. Mahmud informed Vice Minister Yasushi that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is keen on strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted mega-infrastructure projects, including the Matarbari Deep Seaport, Matarbari Coal-Fired Power Plant, and Dhaka Metro Rail.
The Foreign Minister also thanked Japan for its ongoing efforts toward a durable solution for the safe, sustainable, and dignified return of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. He emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and security in the region.
Dr. Mahmud expressed optimism that an economic partnership agreement with Japan would be concluded to secure financial concessions by 2026, coinciding with Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Both the vice minister and the foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan in various multilateral forums. They hoped that this cooperation would continue to promote international peace, security, and sustainable development.
