FBD Desk:

Norway has shown interest in investing in the ship recycling industry in Bangladesh, which has already set the February 2023 deadline to modernise and turn green all vessel-breaking facilities across the country.

This was conveyed to the country’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change minister Shahab Uddin by Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

“There are many environmental similarities between Bangladesh and Norway, both countries are located along the coast.  That’s why the two countries have the opportunity to work on the sea,”  the Ambassador said.

“Norway has experience working in the ship recycling industry.  In this case, mutual cooperation can be increased.  Norway is now interested in trade and investment,” he added.

During the discussion, the two sides also discussed the possibility of working together in tackling the effects of climate change, poverty alleviation, plastic pollution control and other areas. They also pledged to work together in various areas related to waste management.

On his part, the Minister said that the Bangladesh government was working to create a sustainable environment by implementing extensive afforestation programmes. “The government is also working to control all types of pollution,” he said.

The Minister also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment towards climate change.

“The country is now leading various international fora on climate change. And with the opening of the Regional Office of the Climate Vulnerability Forum and the Global Center of Adaptation in Dhaka, Bangladesh will be able to play a stronger role in the International Forum on Climate Change,” he told the diplomat. (Source: UNB)