Bangladesh, UAE sign four MoUs
Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on establishing port, industrial park, supply and setting up LNG terminal, power plants and a special economic zone in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of the documents at St Regis hotel where she is staying.
Foreign secretary Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the signing ceremony. PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim and Bangladesh ambassador to the UAE Mohammad Imran were present.
The government of Dubai and Public Private Partnership (PPP) authority under the prime minister's office signed the first MoU to set up a port, dry port and industrial park in Bangladesh.
Chairman of DP World Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Bangladesh shipping secretary M Abdus Samad signed the document.
DP World said whenever they construct any port, they do not limit their activities to the port but set up an industrial park, said Shahidul Haque. "They're thinking of a massive investment," he said.
"prime minister Sheikh Hasina told them to come to Bangladesh, and the government will extend all necessary cooperation to them," the foreign secretary added.
The second MoU was signed between Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and the power, energy and mineral resources of Bangladesh to supply LNG to Bangladesh on a long-term basis and develop a land-based LNG receiving terminal in Payra.
State minister for power, energy and mineral resources Narsul Hamid and ENOC Group CEO Saif Humaid Al Falasi signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.
ENOC wanted 300 acres of land in Payra where they will construct the terminal.
The third MoU was signed between Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and the Power Development Board of Bangladesh (PDB).
The objective of this MoU is to set up integrated 800-1000 MW LNG power plant in two phases. Besides, there will be a 100 MW solar power project.
Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and PDB chairman Khaled Mahmud signed the MoU on behalf of their respective side.
The fourth MoU was signed between the private office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
The focus of this MoU is on setting up a special economic zone in Matarbari.
They wanted 300 acres of land where they will set up a company for investment.
Sheikh Ahmed Dalmukh signed the MoU for his side while PM's principal secretary Nojibur Rahman signed it for Bangladesh.
By signing these MoUs, the foreign secretary said, the possibility of opening new door has been created for trade and business between Bangladesh and the UAE.