Sangsad Bhaban, June 25 -- Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Wednesday said the government may consider the shipbuilding industry as a "thrust sector" to increase export earnings through extensive employment generation and higher value addition.

Responding to a tabled starred question from BNP lawmaker Joynal Abdin in Parliament, he said providing policy support for the sector is highly justified to help achieve sustainable blue economy goals and export targets by leveraging Bangladesh's low labour costs, skilled workforce and growing global demand for medium-sized vessels.

The minister noted that shipbuilding is a highly capital-intensive industry and stressed the need for special financial assistance and credit facilities to str...