Bangladesh seeks Dutch cooperation to boost maritime commerce

Bangladesh has sought Dutch cooperation to tap the potential of deep-sea fishing, riverine routes and the shipbuilding sector in the country.

Senior government officials made the observation at a webinar on the closing session of the two-day event titled “Bangladesh – Netherlands Investment Summit 2020,” organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Dutch government.

Md Khurshed Alam, secretary (maritime affairs) at the Bangladeshi foreign ministry, said people fish only 60 kilometres deep in the sea although there is scope to fish till 600km depth.

“We can utilise the potential of fishing with collaboration of the Netherlands,” Alam said.

Netherlands has experience in deep-sea fishing, which may be emulated in Bangladesh. The catch can then either be exported or consumed domestically, he said.

There is also a good scope to utilise the Netherlands’ experience in sea-food processing by taking technological support. The Dutch experience in marine aquaculture could also help Bangladesh, he noted.

According to him, Bangladesh has to spend around $8 billion per year for carrying goods with feeder vessels; this money could be saved through establishment of deep-sea ports.

Addressing the event, Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Harry Verweij said Dutch companies have a scope to invest with Bangladeshi companies.

But he recommended more flexibility for developing the business environment in Bangladesh.

Verweij expressed his interest in helping Bangladesh tap the full potential of a maritime economy.

M Riaz Hamidullah, Bangladesh ambassador to the Netherlands, said the technology and innovative solution of Dutch companies can help Bangladesh tap into the economic possibilities of riverine routes, and develop the infrastructure of river ports.

He also sees good potential for growth of the shipbuilding industry with the help of Dutch companies.

Even, Dutch and Bangladeshi companies can go with joint venture for deep sea fishing which is still untapped, he said.

Saiful Islam, chairman of Western Marine shipyard said suggested Bangladesh and Netherlands to invest in shipbuilding joint ventures.

Zahedul Amin, co-founder and director at LightCastle Partners, said 6,000 to 7,000km round-the-year navigable river-water ways are likely to witness a rise after dredging by the government.

Inland riverine transportation can outpace road and rail transportation across Bangladesh and develop competitive, efficient supply chains attractive to businesses, he noted.

“Our traditional boats and vessels run on single-stroke diesel engines. Netherlands have long switched to LNG engines. Conversion of engines and making the vessels spill-proof is a huge opportunity,” he said.

The event was moderated by Mattias Brienen, director of Larive International. Albert Hoek, exclusive senior consultant at Broekman Logistic, and Win Rietman, area sales manager of Nijhuis Industries, also addressed the session.