A high-profile government delegation led by Finance Advisor Dr Saleuddin Ahmed visits Japan from September 1 to explore new Japanese investment in multimodal networks and tourism under a latest development drive.
However, official sources say the trip has been organised to resolve the problems created in some JICA-funded projects, including metro rail and the third terminal of Dhaka airport.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh have faced with problems in implementing Mass Rapid Transit projects and the Third Terminal development at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The 10-member delegation includes high officials from DMTCL and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism apart from Economic Relations Division (ERD), Planning Ministry and Bangladesh Railway.
Special Assistant for Rail, Road Transport and Bridges Sheikh Moinuddin, ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and DMTCL Managing Director Faruque Ahmed are among the high-ups.
According to ERD, the four-day tour, organised by the Asian Development Bank, is an experience-sharing one on Advanced Railway Development and Multimodal Transport and Tourism integration. "Bilateral discussion with the Japanese government is also on the agenda."
The tour plan is being made by the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka, said an official, preferring not to be named.
However, sources said the delegation would also have a meeting with the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
JICA has been implementing various development projects mostly in rail, road, shipping, civil aviation and energy with funds amounting to about US$22 billion.
DMTCL also implements three MRT projects funded by JICA after signing ODA. But it faces challenges in continuing MRT 1 and MRT 5 North projects due to participation of few companies with unusually costly proposals by few Japanese companies which have no scope for negotiation in line with JICA guidelines.
The airport's 3rd terminal has yet to open after completion as conflicts over high cost variations stood in the way. Arbitration between CAAB and the Japanese-led joint-venture company failed recently.
The CAAB is also carrying on negotiation with a Japanese consortium for operation and management of the terminal.
While trying to talk to the officials of the delegation, the FE correspondent also learnt that meeting with the JICA will be held to find negotiation points for all the ongoing projects.
But another official said, "The visit will mainly find out next move in investment in infrastructure development as there is no such work done during the interim government."
"We are currently reviewing the proposed Bid Price for both Projects with different contract packages in order to limit customer affordability and serviceability of debt," the DMTCL MD said when asked about objectives of the visit
"Bid prices are substantially higher against the approved DPP value. We're definitely looking forward to having an opportunity to discuss the same," he added.
smunima@yahoo.com
