Dhaka seeks IMO to safeguard developing countries interest
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'While formulating maritime-related National Policies, Strategies, and Guidelines, Bangladesh would remain mindful of IMO’s policy, guidelines and frameworks'
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday hoped that while achieving net zero vision, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) would safeguard interest of all member states and promote access to critical technologies and know-how for developing countries.
He was speaking at an occasion at the foreign ministry marking the visit of Secretary General of the IMO Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco.
IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
Dominguez was elected as the Secretary-General in January. Bangladesh was the first Asian country he visited after taking office.
He spoke on the net zero emission from shipping by 2050.
The foreign secretary said as a category-C Council Member of IMO, Bangladesh will remain engaged with advancing this vision on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
“While formulating maritime-related National Policies, Strategies, and Guidelines, Bangladesh would remain mindful of IMO’s policy, guidelines and frameworks,” he said.
International shipping keeps the world’s economy afloat, carrying 80% of all global trade from port to port. This causes emitting substantial greenhouse gases along the way, he said.
“It is expected that the maritime trade volumes will triple by 2050, consequently the emission will also rise if the industry fails to ensure corrective measures. Industry leaders have already started working on climate-friendly fuel options and fuel efficiency.”
Bangladesh ratified the Hong Kong Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships last year in June.
“We look forward to IMO’s continued support in achieving compliance of our recycling yards with the provisions of the convention,” the foreign secretary said.
“We also take a moment here to welcome ITLOS’s recent unanimous advisory opinion where the Tribunal affirmed its jurisdiction and obligates States to take necessary measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution from any sources including GHG emissions.”
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK and Permanent Representative to the IMO Saida Muna Tasneem, and senior officials of the foreign ministry were also present, among others.