Sheikh Hasina | Blue Economy

Photo: PID

PM instructs to utilize the potential of blue economy

He gave this order at the National Economic Council Executive Committee (ECNEC) meeting on Tuesday. The ECNEC meeting was held at the NEC conference room in Sherbanglanagar of the capital under the chairmanship of ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Later, Planning Minister MA Mannan and State Minister for Planning Dr. Shamsul Alam briefed the journalists.

The Minister of Planning said that the final approval of 11 projects including environmental development has been given in the Eknek meeting. The total cost of implementation of these projects has been estimated at Tk 13,655 crore 98 lakh. Out of this, Tk 3,129 crore 87 lakh will be spent from government funds and Tk 10,526 crore 11 lakh from foreign aid.

State Minister for Planning Dr. Shamsul Alam said the issue of blue economy came to the fore when the government formulated Delta Plan 2100.

He said that a separate chapter has been kept for blue economy in Delta Plan. Where it is proposed to launch 'Blue Bond' to raise funds for the implementation of the Delta Plan. Many countries have already issued such bonds. When we can also make the prospect of a blue economy more attractive, such bonds can be issued.

The state minister said that even though many years have passed after the judgment of the sea border of the country, the progress of the blue economy is not progressing due to the lack of integrated policies. He said that Delta Wing is being formed to further advance the blue economy.

Member of the General Economy Department (GED) of the Planning Commission Dr. Md. Kawsar Ahmed said that the Prime Minister is not in favor of forming a separate ministry for blue economy.

He said that they are preparing a report on how blue economy initiatives can be institutionalized and its contribution to the economy can be added to the GDP.