Dhaka: Bangladesh will establish a special shipbuilding zone to promote the export-oriented shipbuilding sector with the aim of earning $5 billion a year from exports by 2015, said officials.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), which is leading the plan, is now in talks with top shipbuilding entrepreneurs in the country, they said.
"We plan to establish a shipbuilding zone to accommodate top exporters on the same premises and help the sector expand by providing more incentives and supports," said EPB Vice Chairman Jalal Ahmed.
The shipbuilding and ICT sectors can individually earn up to $5 billion a year from exports, he said, adding that the government should come forward to expedite expansion of the sectors.
"Bangladesh economy is now dependent on only traditional export items. It needs diversification to sustain. The shipbuilding and ICT sectors have the potential to diversify our export basket and generate more employment," Ahmed said.
Industry people want the shipbuilding zone at Mongla, Meghna, Patuakhali or Kutubdia but the government will conduct a feasibility study for selecting the site, according to officials. [18/10/10]
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