24 Sep 2016, 17:11:34
BD seeks Chinese assistance in 25 mega projects
Bangladesh is seeking Chinese assistance in 25 big projects, according to a document from Economic Relations Division.
A list of the projects, involving $20 billion, has been sent to the Chinese side and a decision to that end is expected during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit on October 14, reports UNB.
Bangladesh wants a tangible decision from China, otherwise the country will look for other foreign partners. The list includes some previously sent projects to which China did not respond, said a senior official.
Commercial contacts have already been signed for two projects of the sent list – Development of National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government (Phase III) and Construction of Tunnel under the River Karnaphuli.
Loan applications for the two projects have also been sent to Exim Bank of China, officials said.
The latest projects include Dhaka-Sylhet four-lane highway which requires US$ 1603.35 million foreign assistance, Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under DPDC Area Project under Power Division that requires US$ 2038.06 million foreign assistance.
Padma Bridge Rail Link (Phase I and II), Power Grid Network Strengthening Project, Construction of Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, Construction of Marine Drive Expressway and Costal Protection Work from Sitakund-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar are also there on the list.
Negotiations for commercial contacts for some of the projects are under process, the document read.
Both Bangladesh and China are also in discussions on how the two countries can work together for strengthening cooperation in blue economy.
A Foreign Ministry official said Bangladesh has no capacity or expertise to go for fishing in deep sea after 60 kilometres of the coast and will seek Chinese assistance in this regard as well.
Chinese President is also scheduled to attend the BRICS Summit in India on October 15-16 after his 24 hour’s visit to Bangladesh.
BD seeks Chinese assistance in 25 mega projects
Bangladesh is seeking Chinese assistance in 25 big projects, according to a document from Economic Relations Division.
A list of the projects, involving $20 billion, has been sent to the Chinese side and a decision to that end is expected during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit on October 14, reports UNB.
Bangladesh wants a tangible decision from China, otherwise the country will look for other foreign partners. The list includes some previously sent projects to which China did not respond, said a senior official.
Commercial contacts have already been signed for two projects of the sent list – Development of National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Government (Phase III) and Construction of Tunnel under the River Karnaphuli.
Loan applications for the two projects have also been sent to Exim Bank of China, officials said.
The latest projects include Dhaka-Sylhet four-lane highway which requires US$ 1603.35 million foreign assistance, Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under DPDC Area Project under Power Division that requires US$ 2038.06 million foreign assistance.
Padma Bridge Rail Link (Phase I and II), Power Grid Network Strengthening Project, Construction of Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, Construction of Marine Drive Expressway and Costal Protection Work from Sitakund-Chittagong-Cox's Bazar are also there on the list.
Negotiations for commercial contacts for some of the projects are under process, the document read.
Both Bangladesh and China are also in discussions on how the two countries can work together for strengthening cooperation in blue economy.
A Foreign Ministry official said Bangladesh has no capacity or expertise to go for fishing in deep sea after 60 kilometres of the coast and will seek Chinese assistance in this regard as well.
Chinese President is also scheduled to attend the BRICS Summit in India on October 15-16 after his 24 hour’s visit to Bangladesh.
