With the aim of further accelerating the pace of economic growth of Bangladesh, the overall development of the country's communication and infrastructure sector and creating investment opportunities in potential projects based on PPP (Public-Private Partnership) to further accelerate the pace of Bangladesh's economic growth, a courtesy call and discussion was held with the Secretary of the Bridge Division and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bridge Authority, Mr. Mohammad Abdur Rouf, at his office today, with the Japanese commercial firm Miyagawa Kensetsu Company Limited and Stallion Capital Limited. The 06-member delegation was led by Mr. Sayeed Ibrahim Ahmed, Chairman of Stallion Capital Limited, and Mr. Toji Nishida, Director/overseas of Miyagawa Kensetsu co; ltd.
At the beginning of the meeting, Secretary of the Bridges Division and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bridges Authority, Mr. Mohammad Abdur Rouf, extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. He highlighted the radical changes taking place in the communication sector of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of the present government.
He particularly highlighted the success of groundbreaking projects like Padma Bridge, Jamuna Bridge and Dhaka Elevated Expressway and its socio-economic impact and shed light in detail on their successful maintenance and operation. He mentioned that the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, the first PPP-based project of Bangladesh Bridges Authority, has already started receiving partial benefits from the project, and the present government is determined to complete the construction of the remaining part as soon as possible.
The Bridges Secretary said that under the visionary leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister, Bangladesh is moving towards building world-class infrastructure today. He mentioned that to further strengthen the economic base of the country and ensure a modern communication system, the government is now giving priority to implementing mega projects on the basis of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He said that the constant supervision, guidance and able leadership of the Honorable Minister and the Honorable Minister of State for Bridges are constantly inspiring us. They are working tirelessly for the welfare of the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Toji Nishida, Director/Overseas of Miyagawa Kensetsu Company Limited, highly appreciated the growth of Bangladesh's infrastructural capacity and the dynamism of the emerging economy.
He said that Bangladesh has now emerged as one of the sustainable and promising economic centers in South Asia. Expressed interest in ensuring direct financing, design, construction and modern technical partnership in the construction projects of Bhola-Barisal, Shariatpur-Chandpur, Bhola-Lakshmipur bridges in Bangladesh under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which is a priority in the communication sector of Bangladesh, through collaboration with Stallion Group.
In the discussion, Bridge Secretary Mr. Mohammad Abdur Rouf appreciated the interest of the delegation and said that it is important to build a modern, technology-based, traffic-free and environment-friendly road network to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The participation of the private sector with international experience and capabilities will play a helpful role in ensuring the speed and quality of the projects.
He assured the delegation about the commercial feasibility of the proposed PPP-based projects, investment-friendly policies and complete security of investment. At the same time, he said that regular communication at the technical level will continue between both the organizations to accelerate the investment.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed that more detailed discussions may be held in the future between the technical, legal and economic expert teams of the two organizations to examine the feasibility of taking up new projects under the PPP model in Bangladesh.
The Secretary assured that the Bridges Division and the Bangladesh Bridges Authority would provide all-round support in reviewing the investment proposal. He requested for necessary communication through a MILT Japan and the PPP Authority of Bangladesh regarding the terms and areas of investment, which would be reviewed and further steps would be taken expeditiously subject to government approval.
