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Zahedul Amin, Managing Director and Co-founder of LightCastle Partners, recently participated as a panelist at the industry dialogue titled “Anchor of Growth: Diversifying Exports Through Mid-Sized Shipbuilding.”
The session brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, and maritime professionals. Together, they examined how Bangladesh’s mid-sized shipbuilding sector can emerge as a strategic driver of export diversification and industrial growth.
The dialogue was organized by YoungShip Bangladesh in collaboration with Global Chamber® Dhaka, Movementum Consultancy and Facilitation Group (MCFG), and Interport Advisory Services. Importantly, the discussion focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s position in global ship exports. It did so by addressing structural challenges, financing gaps, and policy alignment.
During the dialogue, Zahedul Amin shared insights on the economic and strategic importance of mid-sized shipbuilding within Bangladesh’s broader export landscape. In particular, he emphasized that shipbuilding presents a strong opportunity to move beyond traditional export categories.
He noted that this potential can be unlocked by leveraging the country’s existing industrial base, skilled workforce, and growing regional demand. Moreover, he highlighted how diversification through shipbuilding can enhance long-term export resilience.
Drawing from LightCastle Partners’ experience in policy research and analysis and private sector advisory, he stressed the importance of data-driven policymaking. At the same time, he pointed to the need for improved access to long-term financing. Coordinated action between public and private stakeholders, he argued, is equally critical.
He further noted that export competitiveness will depend on more than technical capacity alone. Instead, regulatory clarity, investor confidence, and global market positioning will play a decisive role.
During the session, panelists explored several constraints facing the sector. These included limited access to structured financing, high risk perceptions among lenders, and gaps in export facilitation mechanisms.
In this context, Zahedul Amin underscored the importance of aligning financial products with the long gestation periods of shipbuilding projects. As a result, he emphasized that tailored financing solutions are essential for sustainable scale-up.
He also highlighted the role of industrial policy in enabling sectoral growth. Specifically, he pointed to export incentives, skill development initiatives, and international certification standards as key enablers. These measures, he noted, can help Bangladeshi shipbuilders compete more effectively in global markets.
Overall, the session reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration. With inputs from industry, finance, academia, and policymakers, the dialogue concluded that Bangladesh’s shipbuilding sector can become a viable export engine. However, this will require coordinated action and a clear long-term vision.
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