Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is strengthening its support for Bangladesh’s ship recycling sector through a series of initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety, environmental compliance and institutional capacity in line with international standards.
The initiatives were discussed at a meeting between Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and a JICA delegation, led by its Chief Representative in Bangladesh, Takahashi Junko, at the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
Commerce Minister said Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy by generating employment and supplying recycled steel to local industries.
He said that JICA’s support would help modernise the sector by strengthening occupational safety, promoting environmental protection, encouraging the adoption of advanced technologies and streamlining regulatory procedures.
According to officials, the ongoing JICA-supported Ship Recycling Project seeks to build the country’s capacity to develop a safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable ship recycling industry while helping local enterprises become part of global industrial supply chains.
Under the project, JICA is providing technical assistance to assess the operational capacity of ship recycling yards, train government officials and industry stakeholders, prepare modern technical guidelines, and strengthen the regulatory framework governing the sector.
The project will also support the verification and certification of Ship Recycling Facility Plans (SRFPs) and improve the approval process for Ship Recycling Plans (SRPs), enabling Bangladesh to align its practices with internationally accepted standards.
To simplify regulatory procedures, the project is assisting the government in developing a one-stop online approval system, which is expected to reduce administrative complexities and speed up clearances from multiple government agencies involved in ship recycling activities.
JICA Chief Representative Takahashi Junko said the agency was working closely with the relevant authorities to address both administrative and technical challenges facing Bangladesh’s ship recycling industry.
She said the project’s main objective is to establish an internationally compliant and environmentally friendly ship recycling system capable of supporting the sector’s long-term sustainable growth.
The meeting also reviewed ways to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by improving their access to technology, training and skills development so they can participate in domestic and international supply chains.
Director General of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Mahbuba Khatun Minu also attended the meeting.