Bangladesh is a maritime nation with 9,000 sq.km of territorial waters, 720 km long coastline. At present 10,000 inland and coastal ships and 36 foreign going ships are plying all over the country, which carries more than 90% of total oil product, 70% of cargo and 35% of passengers. More than 150,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers are employed in this labor-intensive sector. Although Bangladesh was traditionally known for export of jute, tea and readymade garments, in the last 10 years it has attracted attention of many foreign buyers in shipbuilding. Two million people are related directly or indirectly with the shipbuilding industry. Shipbuilding is a growing industry in Bangladesh with great potentials.

(Source: Saudi Gazette, 16 July 2017)