Nepal keen on contributing to Bangladesh’s power sector

Visiting Nepalese Energy Minister Janandar Sharma made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Sangsad Bhaban office on Wednesday.

In the meeting, Janandar Sharma said his country is willing to contribute to the power sector of Bangladesh.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM`s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said during the talks the prime minister laid importance on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.

"We have immense opportunity to tap the potentials in the area of trade and business," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh and other countries in the region can be benefited from the cheap hydroelectricity of Nepal. She hoped that India would extend cooperation to develop the regional gridline.

Nepalese energy minister said Nepal has enough resources and diversity of resources to cater to the need of power in the region.

In this regard, he said a MoU has been prepared and it is expected to sign soon as the two countries are keen to enhance cooperation in the power sector. Now modalities of the cooperation in the power sector should be determined, he said adding that Bangladesh can investment in a joint venture initiative with Nepal or invest individually.

Recalling the Nepalese support to Bangladesh`s War of Liberation in 1971, the prime minister said Bangladesh considers Nepal as a best friend.

Sheikh Hasina renewed her offer to Nepal for using Chittagong, Mongla and Payra Port for trading saying Nepal can import food and fish from Bangladesh.

PM`s Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid Bipu, principal coordinator of SDG programme Abul Kalam Azad, Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Mashfee Binte Shams were present on the occasion.

Source: BSS