Dhaka keen to import 1,000MW electricity from Kathmandu

Jan. 12, 2012 - thedailystar.net

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni yesterday reiterated Bangladesh's interest in importing 1,000 MW electricity from the Sapt-Kosi high dam project to meet its ever increasing demand for power.

She wants Bangladesh to be an equity partner or shareholder of the project which is 110km off Thakurgaon district.

“This is the most opportune moment for the countries of South Asia to explore synergies for mutual benefit,” she told this when the newly appointed Nepalese Ambassador in Dhaka Hari Kumar Shrestha called on her at the foreign ministry yesterday.

Dipu Moni also stressed the need for working together by the countries in the region to harness hydro-power and water resources for mutual benefit.

She noted that Bangladesh had already offered Nepal and Bhutan access to Mongla and Chittagong ports and said Bangladesh is keen to see the two countries using the ports.

Welcoming the new ambassador, the foreign minister said Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations with Nepal as a close neighbour.

Dipu Moni said Bangladesh is observing with great interest the ongoing "Peace Process" in Nepal and strongly supports the forward march of democratic institution-building in the country.

She expressed her hope that the aspirations of the people of Nepal would be fulfilled with adoption of a constitution that best suits their needs.

During the meeting, the foreign minister and Nepalese envoy discussed various aspects of mutual interest and exchanged views on ways to infuse dynamism into bilateral relations.

She noted out that bilateral trade was far below the potential and sought ambassador's personal initiative to get private sectors actively involved in enhancing trade relations between the two countries.

She expressed satisfaction that several small initiatives, including upgrading of facilities at land ports/land customs stations and signing of an SOP between Bangladesh and India that allows Nepalese cargo vehicles to enter up to 200 metres from zero point at Banglabandha would help facilitate bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Nepal.

Dipu Moni also mentioned signing of addendum to an MoU between Bangladesh and India granting Rohanpur-Singabad as an additional route for rail transit to Nepal. 50,000 MT of fertiliser has already been transported through this route as a one time case.

She also mentioned that the government plans to complete multi-gauge conversion of Birol-Radhikapur railway sector by this year, which would greatly facilitate passage of Nepalese cargo.

The foreign minister assured the new ambassador of Nepal of all cooperation in carrying out his duties in Dhaka and in further deepening and widening the bilateral cooperation.

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