JS-54 Finance Minister places a set of strategies on blue economy

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JS-54

BLUE-ECONOMY

Finance Minister places a set of strategies on blue economy

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 13, 2019 (BSS) – Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal
proposed a set of strategies for proper utilisation of marine resources while
placing the national budget for fiscal year 2019-20.

The proposed strategies for proper utilisation of marine resources with
immense potential include quick completion of multi-dimensional survey of
marine resources, increase of coastal ships and modernization of sea ports
with their capacity enhancement.

He also proposed intensifying fishing in both deep-sea and shallow coastal
waters, introduction of sea eco-tourism and boat tourism in the private
sector and keeping sea coasts as well as sea ports pollution-free.

Kamal said through the conquest of the sea in the historic judgment by the
International for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), under the dynamic leadership of
the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh received exclusive rights to 1
lakh 18 thousand 813 sq. km of sea from neighboring Myanmar and India, which
is almost equivalent to the size of Bangladesh.

He said there are over 13 heavy mineral resources in the coastal areas of
the Bay of Bengal which are very valuable. In addition, there are 475 species
of fish and 36 species of prawn plus sea algae etc, he added.

“By utilising these resources, it is possible to increase our GDP by two
percent,” he said.

BSS/ASG/TAN/RY/20:18 hrs