Jica expresses satisfaction over Matarbari power plant's progress

Executive Senior Vice-President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) Yamada Junichi has expressed satisfaction over the progress of ongoing projects including the Matarbari Power Plant.

He paid a courtesy call to State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid at his ministry office on Thursday.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues related to mutual interest, said a press release.

"There are opportunities to work together on advanced technology, gas meters and the capacity building of Bangladesh Power Management Institute," said Nasrul Hamid.

He thanked Jica for cooperating with Bangladesh's energy sector projects as a tested friend. In the global context renewable energy is gaining importance, he added.

Now, Bangladesh is implementing three major projects funded by Jica -- a pre-paid meter project at a cost of Tk900 crore, the Power and Energy Integrated Master Plan and a Digitisation Project.

Jica will continue to provide its support for infrastructural projects in Bangladesh, said Jica's visiting executive senior vice-president. 

"Bangladesh seeks more support from Japan on energy transition, capacity building in the energy sector, modernisation of the natural gas system, expansion of natural gas pipeline and underground substation projects," said Nasrul Hamid.

Jica country chief Tomohide Ichiguchi, Power Division additional secretary Md Nurul Alam and Energy and Mineral Resources Division additional secretary Shahina Khatun, among others, also attended the meeting.