Energy adviser seeks Swiss co-op in renewable energy, advanced technology

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has sought the 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.

He made the call when Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli met him on Sunday. The Swiss envoy was leading a delegation in the meeting held at the secretariat.

Fouzul Kabir 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.

The adviser said he recently visited the Matarbari 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.

He also noted that emphasis will also be laid on renewable energy generation and use of environment-friendly energy.

Reto Renggli welcomed the adviser for assuming offices of three important ministries, including road transport and bridges as well as railway, 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 expressed hope that the measures taken including the suspension of the controversial law in the power and energy sector and the cancellation of Section 34A of the BERC Act, introducing the open tender process in government procurement, removal of the secretaries from the post of chairman of the companies under their control will play a significant role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

The ambassador assured that the offer of investment and technology assistance to Bangladesh will be seriously considered.