September 19, 2023, Dhaka

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said that Nepal could be a good source of clean energy for Bangladesh. He made this call during a discussion meeting with the members of the delegation from Nepal held on Tuesday (September 19, 2023) at FBCCI Icon in the capital. The Nepalese delegation was led by the Director General (Joint Secretary) of the Department of Industry of the government of Nepal Baburam Gautam. 

Mahbubul Alam said that the energy sector is one of the most attractive areas for cooperation between Nepal and Bangladesh. Bangladesh is facing a growing demand for power and energy to meet its Vision 2041 to become a developed Smart Bangladesh. Importing power from Nepal, especially clean energy, will help Bangladesh to meet the world trade compliances to transfer into renewable energy use, he added. FBCCI President recalled the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and Nepal to import 500 MW of electricity from Nepal.  

Mahbubul Alam said, Bangladesh and Nepal have close cultural and economic ties and collaborate closely as both are the founding members of (SAARC) and active members of BIMSTEC. 

FBCCI President said, “We are working to develop competitiveness to achieve the trillion dollar journey of our economy and for that, we need to focus on market and product diversification to reach this target”. Nepal can help Bangladesh to meet the demand for power and energy, especially clean energy. Therefore, the FBCCI Chief proposed to recall the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh and Nepal to import 500 MW of electricity from Nepal.  

The FBCCI leaders highlighted the revolution and potentials of the RMG sector, pharmaceuticals products, leather goods, plastic, frozen seafood, ceramics, jute products, FMCG and home appliances, ICT sector, and less import cost than the neighboring countries. Therefore, FBCCI Leaders called on Nepal to take advantage of the exclusive trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. 

Joint Secretary of the Department of Industry of Nepal Baburam Gautam said the Bangladesh-Nepal partnership speeds mutual respect between the countries. Export items including RMG have high demand in the Nepalese market. 

A PowerPoint presentation was presented on behalf of the Nepalese delegation where Tourism, Transport, Infrastructure, ICT, Mines Minerals and Natural resources, Agriculture, and Hydroelectricity were highlighted as the potential sectors of Nepal. Highlighting key opportunities, the delegation urged Bangladeshi businessmen to invest in these sectors.

FBCCI Vice President Khairul Huda Chopol, Joshoda Jibon Deb Nath, Md. Munir Hossain, Directors, Secretary General Md. Alamgir, and Head of International Wing Ambassador Mosud Mannan among others, were present at the meeting.