Adilur has said that green shipbuilding has the potential to emerge as Bangladesh’s next major foreign exchange earner after the ready-made garments (RMG) sector

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today said that the green shipbuilding sector has the potential to become Bangladesh’s next major source of foreign exchange after the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry.

“If the garment sector was our first great leap into global trade, green shipbuilding can be our next—bringing both economic growth and environmental leadership. Ships built to global green standards and proudly carrying the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand is no longer a distant dream. With vision, urgency, and unity, it is within our reach,” he said.

Adilur made the remarks while addressing a seminar on “Green Shipbuilding: A New Frontier for Export Diversification” organized by the International Business Forum of Bangladesh (IBFB) at a city hotel.

Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant for Finance to the Chief Adviser, attended as special guest, while Policy Research Institute (PRI) Chairman and CEO Dr Zaidi Sattar delivered the keynote presentation.

Highlighting the global shift in demand, Adilur said the world no longer seeks just ships but green ships. “Eco-friendly, low-emission vessels are becoming the new standard, and countries that master their design and production will lead tomorrow’s maritime economy,” he noted.

He emphasized that Bangladesh has the opportunity to position itself as a hub for sustainable shipbuilding in South Asia, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs in design, engineering, and advanced manufacturing while contributing to the fight against climate change.

Citing International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, the adviser said shipping companies now demand fuel-efficient, energy-saving vessels. “If Bangladesh develops energy-efficient designs and adopts LNG, hybrid, and solar-powered systems with sustainable materials, it can tap into this growing market—boosting exports, technology transfer, and industrial innovation,” he said.

He stressed that the Ministry of Industries will prioritize the green shipbuilding sector, working in partnership with the Ministries of Shipping and Environment and other stakeholders to ensure supportive regulations and an investment-friendly ecosystem.

“But the real transformation will come from entrepreneurs and innovators,” he added, urging shipyards to pursue global green certifications, adopt renewable energy in production, and provide customized eco-friendly vessels for global clients. He said the IBFB can play a crucial role in linking industry, policymakers, financiers, and international markets.

IBFB President Lutfunnisa Saudia Khan, Director Engr. Md Sakhawat Hossain, and Immediate Past President Humayun Rashid also spoke at the seminar.