Bangladesh shipbuilders appeal for govt help

Dhaka: Shipbuilders on Sunday sought incentives for a boost to the industry.  "We need a 30 percent incentive for the industry for at least five years," Abdullahel Baki, chairman of Ananda Shipyard, the country's leading shipbuilder, said in a seminar.  "The government needs to patronise this burgeoning sector to foster its growth."  Addressing the seminar, shipping minister Shahjahan Khan said the industry has as much potential to become a top industry as the garment sector.  "It can play a significant role to advance the country's economy," he said.  The seminar was followed by a German Asia Pacific Business Association delegation's visit to the Ananda shipyard. [26/10/09]