YoungShip Bangladesh & Global Chamber Dhaka Highlights Export Diversification Through Mid-Sized Shipbuilding
Youngship Bangladesh, in collaboration with Global Chamber Dhaka, Movementum Consultancy and Facilitation Group (MCFG), and Interport Advisory Services, successfully hosted an industry dialogue titled “Anchor of Growth: Diversifying Exports Through Mid-Sized Shipbuilding” at Hotel Bengal Blueberry, Gulshan.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and maritime professionals to examine how Bangladesh’s mid-sized shipbuilding sector can play a pivotal role in export diversification, employment generation, and industrial competitiveness. The discussion focused on sector-specific opportunities, financing challenges, policy alignment, and practical pathways to strengthen the industry’s contribution to the national economy.
The event opened with remarks from Tanjil Ahmed Ruhullah, Founding President, YoungShip Bangladesh, and Maimun Ur Rashid Mustafa, Executive Director, Global Chamber Dhaka, who emphasized coordinated action between industry, finance, and policymakers to unlock the sector’s potential.
The session was graced by Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President, Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Co-Founder & Managing Director of NewVision Solutions Ltd, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of international collaboration, technology transfer, and private-sector engagement in positioning Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry within global value chains.
The event also featured a keynote address by Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, Islamic University of Technology, who highlighted the critical role of academia, research, and skilled human capital in supporting innovation, productivity, and long-term sustainability in the shipbuilding sector.
The session featured a distinguished panel of experts representing diverse segments of the maritime and industrial ecosystem:
- Md. Sadiqur Rahman, Vice-President, Corporate Banking Division, City Bank PLC
- Engr. Shamsul Alam, Managing Director, Marine House Ltd
- Abdullah Nahid Niger, Deputy Managing Director, Ananda Group
- Capt. Mohiuddin Abdul Kadir, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh & President, Bangladesh Maritime Law Society (BMLS)
- Zahedul Amin, Managing Director, LightCastle Partners
The panel discussion was moderated by Khan Muhammad Saqiful Alam, Advisor, YoungShip Bangladesh, and Senior Regional Manager, Data & Analytics (APMEA), British American Tobacco, who guided an engaging and solutions-oriented exchange among panelists and participants.
Panelists shared insights across legal, regulatory, shipping, financial, and operational dimensions of the shipbuilding ecosystem. Particular emphasis was placed on Bangladesh’s strong and competitive shipbuilding workforce, highlighting the skill level, adaptability, and cost competitiveness of local labor. The discussion also underscored the importance of clear regulatory frameworks, contract enforcement, maritime law, access to finance, and global market positioning.
A key takeaway from the dialogue was the need for lawmakers and policymakers to work toward a comprehensive and coordinated policy framework, recognizing that shipbuilding has extensive backward and forward linkages—including steel, logistics, engineering services, finance, and skilled employment—which can significantly multiply economic impact. Panelists emphasized that a holistic approach could unlock broader industrial growth and sustainable employment generation.
As a follow-up to the discussion, YoungShip Bangladesh plans to work on developing an action-oriented summary and recommendations, which it intends to share with relevant policymakers and stakeholders to contribute constructively to ongoing policy and industry discussions.
The event concluded with an interactive networking session, enabling participants to exchange perspectives and explore potential collaborations across the maritime, financial, and industrial sectors.
YoungShip Bangladesh expressed sincere appreciation to Petromax Refinery Limited, the main sponsor of the event, and Interport Group for its valued support in facilitating this important industry dialogue. Appreciation was also extended to Daily Times of Bangladesh, the media partner, for supporting the dissemination of discussions on shipbuilding and export growth.
As Bangladesh continues to pursue sustainable industrial expansion and export diversification, YoungShip Bangladesh remains committed to creating platforms that foster informed dialogue, cross-sector collaboration, and actionable outcomes for the future of the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
