DHAKA: The 3rd IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference held in Dhaka called for the protection of biodiversity in the oceans of the member countries and the involvement of all in the development of the maritime economy.

This was adopted through the 17-point Dhaka Declaration on Thursday (Sep 5) at the conference titled ‘Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy - making the best use of opportunities from the Indian Ocean.’

Stressing the importance on the framework and management policies for the sustainable development of the maritime economy, the Declaration outlines the protection of biodiversity in the oceans of the member countries, the involvement of all in the development of the maritime economy, the emphasis on the framework and management policies for the sustainable development of the maritime economy, strengthening cooperation between member countries and holding dialogue among partners, creating a maritime economic database among the member countries, etc. 

The Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Maritime Affairs Unit) Rear Admiral (Retd) Khurshid Alam and IORA Secretary General Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe spoke on the issues of the Third Ministerial Conference of the Blue Economy.

At the press conference, Rear Admiral (Retd) Khurshid Alam said Bangladesh has started working for the development of maritime resources even though it is too late. There are huge potentialities in this sector. You have to look at that. 

He said the IORA would support the development of Bangladesh's blue economy.

IORA Chairman and its Secretary General Dr Nomvuyo Nokwe said that the IORA member countries are working to simultaneously develop the maritime sector. He remarked that the blue economy is linked to the human economy.

Representatives from 21 countries, including India, Australia, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Oman, Singapore, UAE, Yemen, are expected to attend the conference.

The premier was formally inaugurating the main part of 3rd IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference while first part of the event was held on Wednesday (September 4).

BDST: 2005 HRS, SEP 5, 2019
RS/SMS