Energy Adviser seeks Swiss help in renewable energy, tech
September 16, 2024 00:00:00
Adviser of the interim government for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has sought cooperation of the Swiss government in the fields of renewable energy and advanced technology.
He also invited Swiss businessmen to participate in the development of Bangladesh and invest in business.
Mr Khan, who is also in charge of Road Transport and Bridges and Railways, made the call when Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli met him on Sunday, reports UNB.
The Swiss envoy was leading a delegation in the meeting in the adviser's room in the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources at the Secretariat.
The Advisor discussed the activities he has undertaken in a short time after taking charge to ensure transparency and accountability in the power and energy sector. He welcomed Swiss companies to participate in various development activities of Bangladesh.
Fouzul Kabir said that he recently visited the Matabari power plant project. The project also includes deep sea ports, economic zones, railways and road projects. But it is not possible to get real benefits from just setting up power plants, until other projects are implemented.
He observed that a huge number of unplanned development projects in the power and energy sector had been taken up and implemented during the previous government's tenure.
"In most cases projects have been implemented at a cost much higher than the reasonable one which has not been value for money".
He said that from now on, he will give importance to implementation of big projects with small projects at low cost.
Swiss envoy Reto Renggli welcomed the adviser for assuming offices of three important ministries and said it is a very challenging task. The ambassador appreciated the steps taken by the current government in a short period of time.
He assured that the offer of investment and technology assistance to Bangladesh will be seriously considered.