The government with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has undertaken various steps to make the country's ship recycling industry safe, modern and environment-friendly, Commerce Minister Khandokar Abdul Muktadir said.
Besides, initiatives have also been taken to integrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the international supply chain, he said.
The minister made the observations on Wednesday during a meeting with a JICA delegation at his secretariat office.
The delegation was led by JICA's Chief Representative in Bangladesh,Takahashi Junko.
Highlighting the sector's contributions, the minister said: "The ship recycling industry plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's economy, creating massive job opportunities. However, for sustainable development, it is essential to strengthen safety measures, ensure environmental protection, adopt modern technologies, and simplify the approval process."
He also said the ongoing "JICA Ship Recycling Project" will play a pivotal role in boosting the capacity of the country's ship recycling sector and establishing a framework that meets international standards.
The meeting was informed that under this project the JICA will assist in evaluating the capacity of ship recycling yards, providing training to personnel, formulating modern guidelines, verifying and certifying Ship Recycling Facility Plans (SRFP), and streamlining the approval system for Ship Recycling Plans (SRP).
To minimise red tape and bureaucratic delays, steps are being taken to introduce a single-window online system (One-Stop Service).
Such platform will enable yard operators to obtain necessary government approvals quickly and hassle-free.
Mr. Takahashi Junko said the JICA is collaborating closely with relevant agencies to address both administrative and technical challenges in Bangladesh's ship recycling sector.
The primary goal of the initiatives is to build an eco-friendly industry aligned with global standards.
Director General of the Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder and Joint Secretary at Commerce Ministry Mahbuba Khatun Minu were also present at the meeting.
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