18 April 2017, Tue, 8:45

American interest in energy and power sector ‘growing’: Bernicat

American public-and private-sector firms’ interest in Bangladesh’s burgeoning energy and power sector is said to be ‘growing day by day’.
US ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat said this when she called on state minister for power and energy Nasrul Hamid at his office in the Bangladesh secretariat on Monday, according to a release from the ministry.
She said some giant companies like Exelerate, SunEdison, and GE are interested to work in Bangladesh, noting that American firms intend to work in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector as well.
The ambassador discussed the US position on different issues in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector with Nasrul Hamid.
Welcoming the US companies’ interest in Bangladesh, the state minister said investment from American firms are still ‘very low’ compared with companies from other nations.
He sought the US envoy’s help in encouraging American companies to invest in Bangladesh.
On the power and energy sector’s current and future plans and also its potential, the state minister said there could be road-shows or seminars for the US chambers and business communities to make them aware about the ongoing developments.
He said primary energy, power transmission and power generation are the best sectors for American companies to invest in Bangladesh.
‘Bangladesh will welcome US investment in these sectors,’ Nasrul Hamid added.
He pointed out Bangladesh is getting electricity from India under sub-regional cooperation in the energy sector, while import of power from Nepal and Bhutan are progressing along the right path.
He noted that Bangladesh encourages government-to-government business with any country.
Power Cell director general Mohammad Hossain was present during the meeting.