M Humayun Kabir: Bangladesh has proposed introduction of solar power grid and ocean cruises among Bimstec member countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed the proposal at the retreat session of Bimstec held at Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza in Kathmandu yesterday, reports UNB. After the session, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque told reporters that discussions on regional and international issues and interests of Bangladesh were on the agenda.
The leaders elaborately discussed the trade, investment, power generation and transmission, and selling and procurement of electricity, he said.
Shahidul said they agreed on forming a working group to sort out possibility of trade-investment, production of power and export as well as investment in this sector.
The Prime Minister proposed introducing the Bimstec sea cruises. She also mentioned that Nepal and Bhutan can use ports of Bangladesh in this regard.
The Foreign Secretary said there are huge potentials of producing electricity in Nepal and Bhutan, and they can export that to the neighbouring countries.
He said a big scope has been created for cooperation to this end. The trade and investment among the Bimstec countries have been reduced, and the leaders discussed expanding the free trade area, the foreign secretary added.