BD eyes support from Toshiba for power sector

Bangladesh is eyeing assistance from Japanese Toshiba to develop the country's power sector, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said Sunday.

"We can utilize the expertise of Toshiba for building underground sub-station, gas-insulated switch gear and transformer, smart grid system and modernize transformer," he said.

The state minister spelled out the country's intention of getting assistance from the Japanese firm during a meeting with Toshiba Group Chairman Masashi Muromachi at his office in the secretariat.

"We can ink a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this connection," said the state minister.

The Toshiba chairman said the company has experience of working in around 1,900 power stations all over the world, either individually or through joint venture.

The Japanese firm supplies equipments to different power plants, and develops electricity generation and distribution system all over the world, he said.

"We are keen to get quality and sustainable equipments," said Mr Hamid.

Power Secretary Monowar Islam, Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Abduhu Ruhullah and senior officials of the ministry were present during the meeting.