Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 29, 2026 (BSS) - Maritime experts and policymakers today called for strategic investment in deep-sea fishing, marine biotechnology and value-added seafood processing, saying Bangladesh could unlock a Blue Economy worth up to US$18 billion annually through coordinated policies and private sector participation.

Speaking at a seminar on Blue Economy, Executive Chairman of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said Bangladesh have to shift from a land-centric development model to one that recognizes the Bay of Bengal as a key driver of future economic growth.

"Fisheries, seafood processing, logistics and exports form a single integrated value chain that requires coordinated support from different government agencies," he said.

MIDA and JICA Bangladesh jointly organised the event on "Investment Potential in Fisheries and Marine Economy in Bangladesh" at a hotel in the city.

Describing Matarbari and Moheshkhali as strategic hubs for future marine industrial development, Ashik Chowdhury said that MIDA is working to align policies across the ministries concerned to create an integrated investment package tailored to private sector needs.

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh could emerge as a major global fishing exporter within the next three to five years through coordinated government action and private investment.

At his keynote speech, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Khurshed Alam said that Bangladesh currently generates around US$6 billion from its marine resources but has the potential to double or even triple that figure through sustainable exploitation of ocean resources.

He said the country's future Blue Economy should be built on four pillars-harmony with nature, climate neutrality, sustainable coastal communities and integrated governance.

Highlighting Bangladesh's untapped marine resources, Khurshed Alam said marine fisheries account for only 15-16 percent of the country's fish production despite the country's vast maritime area. 

He noted that traditional fishing vessels operate only 20 to 40 kilometres offshore, leaving much of the Exclusive Economic Zone underutilized.

He urged entrepreneurs to invest in modern deep-sea fishing vessels, saying commercially valuable tuna and several other large fish species remain largely unexplored in Bangladesh's waters.

The maritime expert also stressed the potential of marine biotechnology, saying sea-based resources could support the production of pharmaceuticals, Omega-3 supplements, cosmetics, agar from seaweed, livestock and fish feed, creating new export opportunities while reducing import dependence.

Drawing lessons from Iceland's fisheries sector, Khurshed Alam said Bangladesh could significantly increase export earnings by ensuring value addition and utilizing every part of harvested fish for high-value industrial and pharmaceutical products.

He also called for financial incentives for marine industries, improved infrastructure in coastal and island areas, faster implementation of deep-sea fishing initiatives and greater media attention to the country's maritime economy.

The seminar brought together experts, policymakers, development partners and business representatives to discuss sustainable utilization of marine resources and investment opportunities in Bangladesh's Blue Economy.