Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, has called on both local and international investors to seize the growing opportunities in Bangladesh’s maritime and offshore sectors.

Dr. Sakhawat made the calls while inaugurating the 6th edition of the Bangladesh International Marine and Offshore Expo (BIMOX 2024) on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka. The exhibition showcases innovations across “Ship Building,” “Ship Recycling,” “Offshore Oil & Gas Support,” “Shipping, Logistics & Ports,” “Fishing Vessels & Fishery,” and “Process Automation.”

Organized by Savor International Limited, BIMOX 2024 aims to spotlight cutting-edge technologies, materials, equipment, and methods in these industries, providing a platform for participants, organizations, and stakeholders to connect and explore new opportunities.

“Bangladesh is uniquely positioned on the global map,” Adviser Sakhawat said. “We have the world’s largest bay, abundant labour, and multiple river and sea ports. One-third of our population is directly connected to rivers and the sea, making this industry ripe with opportunities. We warmly welcome all investors.”

The Shipping Adviser expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s potential to become a significant shipbuilding nation. “What we need now is collaboration among experts and stakeholders to fuel the industry's growth. We are operating with increased transparency,” he added.

The event was attended by high-profile officials, including Rear Admiral Khandakar Akhter Hossain, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (M) of the Bangladesh Navy; Christian Brix Moller, Ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy in Dhaka; André Carstens, Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Lovisa Hofmann, Head of Politics, Trade, and Communication at the Embassy of Sweden; Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, Director General of the Department of Shipping; Mohd. Khorshed Alam, President of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Dr. Abdullahel Bari, President of the Association of Export Oriented Shipbuilding Industries of Bangladesh (AEOSIB) and Chairman of Ananda Shipyard & Slipways Limited.

BIMOX 2024 features over 180 booths, with companies from 15 countries, including Bangladesh, displaying an impressive range of products, technologies, and services. The event has already attracted a large number of visitors, eager to explore the latest innovations in the marine and offshore industries.