PRESS
RELEASE

The Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) formally commenced today at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka.

Jointly organized by the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) and Peace and Policy Solutions (Bangladesh), the two-day event brings together senior policymakers, experts, and development partners from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation is Japan's largest NGO Think and Do tank designated to ocean governance and ocean policy.

Throughout January 13–14, the dialogue will host a series of high-level panels, covering themes such as: advancing sustainable blue economy strategies in the Bay of Bengal, enhancing regional connectivity through ports and shipping, financing partnerships, climate adaptation, disaster governance, science-policy interfaces and inclusive livelihoods through fisheries and tourism. The event will conclude with working groups focused on regional cooperation roadmaps. The aim is to also prepare a “Dhaka Statement” — a shared regional position that reflects discussions and recommendations, and which will feed into the upcoming Inter-Regional and Global Dialogues.

In his keynote address Dr. Emadul Islam, Convener and Senior research Fellow, Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan) emphasized the urgent need to center the voices of marginalized and climate-vulnerable populations in the region. Highlighting the specific challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean, Dr. Islam stressed that building an inclusive and sustainable blue economy is essential for long-term resilience. “If we are to ensure a just and equitable ocean future,” he stated, “we must design policies that count every voice and protect the most affected communities.”

Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President, Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan, said in his remarks: "The Indian Ocean, often referred to as the “Great Middle Bay,” connects over thirty-three nations and nearly three billion people. For Japan, this ocean is not only a critical maritime corridor—facilitating about 78% of our energy imports—but also a shared space where our destinies intertwine" 

In his address as Chief Guest, Mr. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of MIDA, said: “The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world—where resources, commerce, and connectivity converge. But for Bangladesh to harness its full maritime potential, we must elevate our actions and forge robust partnerships. Sustainable blue economy requires investment, technology, and the shared commitment of our partners across the region.”

He reiterated that MIDA, as the Government of Bangladesh’s dedicated agency for coastal development and strategic infrastructure in Moheshkhali and beyond, will partner with Sasakawa Peace Foundation, one of the world’s largest independent donors, to work on priorities related to fisheries and marine affairs set by 20 ministries, departments and agencies of Bangladesh. 

The collaboration will pave the way for assessments on adopting Japan’s Blue Economy practices in Maheshkhali area of Bangladesh, using Japan’s Umigyo model for marine-industry based coastal community development, baseline studies on fisheries, marine tourism, infrastructure including more jetties, automated fish landings, cold-chain system and training and knowledge transfer in deepsea fishing, seafood processing, mariculture, sea safety etc. 

The opening session was also addressed by Mr. Abdulla Siyaz, Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade, Maldives, Keynote Presenter Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow, Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), Commodore Tanzim Faruq, Member, MIDA, Mr. Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (Bangladesh) and Dr. Moogdho Mahzab, Advisor, Peace and Policy Solutions.

‍