Experts suggest climate-smart PPP projects

The public-private partnership (PPP) can play a significant role in addressing climate vulnerability in Bangladesh through utilising resources with innovation and technical solutions.
Speakers at a seminar say PPP is one of the most feasible financing options to reduce financing gaps and development deficits as current annual financial gap for climate action in Bangladesh is $3.0 billion.
The PPP Authority hosted the seminar on 'Sustainable Development in the Context of Post-Pandemic and Climate Vulnerability: PPP's Role, Prospects and Challenges in Bangladesh' at a city hotel on Tuesday.
UNDP Bangladesh partnered with the PPPA to find climate smart PPP projects through reducing financing gap.
Cabinet secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam attended the event as chief guest with PPPA chief executive office Sultana Afroz in the chair.
Comptroller and auditor general Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Japanese ambassador ITO Naoki, Chinese ambassador Li Jiming, Saudi ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan and Turkish ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan were also present.
UNDP climate change specialist AKM Mamunur Rashid presented a paper on 'Climate-smart PPP'.
Saule Imanova, investment officer, PPP transaction advisory, South Asia, IFC, Centre for Asian Climate and Environmental Policy Studies senior adviser Dr SM Munjurul H Khan and ICCCAD director Dr Saleemul Huq spoke as designated speakers.
Secretary Mr Islam says the private sector is vital for innovative and technological solutions, resources to address climate challenges.
He suggests that the government partner with private agencies to synergise resources with a focus on environment, climate change and inclusive growth while creating enough profit for the private sector.
"If we provide an enabling environment and incentives for businesses to search for cleaner technologies and earn profits, more companies will be there to invest in such businesses."
The speakers also lay importance on capacity-building of relevant ministries, and local and foreign investors to design climate-smart PPP projects in Bangladesh.
According to the PPPA, the government established an inter-ministerial committee on implementation of SDGs, and its integration into government policies and five-year plans.
It launched a programme styled 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan' to mobilise resources for a secure and sustainable future.

smunima@yahoo.com