Bangladesh, Brunei for comprehensive partnership in energy sector

Risingbd Desk: Bangladesh and Brunei today issued a joint statement agreeing to explore the possibility of comprehensive collaboration in energy sector as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrapped up her three-day visit to the South Asian kingdom.

“Given the growing demand of energy in Bangladesh to support the rapid economic growth, both sides agreed to explore the possibility of comprehensive collaboration in the energy sector via a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement including liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to Bangladesh,” the joint statement said.

It said the Bangladesh premier and Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also agreed for public and private sector engagements of the two countries to explore collaboration in areas like investments and trade in petro-chemicals, offshore oil and gas exploration, technical collaboration, and capacity building.

Sheikh Hasina is set to return home later today ending her official visit to Brunei Darussalam at invitation of Sultan Bolkiah coinciding with the 35th anniversary of bilateral ties.

According to the statement the two leaders recognised the potential for investments and will encourage the promotion of reciprocal investments between the two countries in their mutual interest, particularly in sectors such as food processing, energy, ICT, ship-building, manufacturing, tourism infrastructure, blue economy and the jute industry.

Brunei Darussalam expressed interest to explore participation in the global “halal food market” by taking advantage of the special economic zones of Bangladesh and the proven expertise of Brunei in halal food industry.

“Both sides will, subject to mutual agreement and capacity requirement, further strengthen cooperation in the health sector such as training and recruitment of healthcare professionals, manufacturing and trade in pharmaceuticals, as well as collaboration in specialised healthcare services,” the statement read.

The countries encouraged closer cooperation among the financial institutions of the two countries to enhance the operation of financial services for effective facilitation of bilateral trade and exchanges.

The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in the regional and international fora including the United Nations; Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); the Commonwealth and the ASEAN Regional Forum on issues of common interest and concerns including extremism, terrorism, environmental protection; and sustainable development. Both leaders acknowledged Bangladesh’s continued interest to strengthen its relations with ASEAN and agreed that there is much potential in developing cooperation that can be mutually beneficial.

“Brunei Darussalam acknowledged Bangladesh’s humanitarian assistance and repatriation initiatives for 1.1 million displaced persons from the Rakhine
State, temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh,” the statement said.

It added that Brunei commended Bangladesh humanitarian gesture and generous assistance as well as the efforts towards their safe, dignified, voluntary, and sustainable repatriation.

“Bangladesh appreciated the continued invaluable support and contribution of the government of the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam including financial assistance and provision of critical medical and health assistance to the field hospital in Cox’s Bazar,” the statement said._BSS.


risingbd/Dhaka/Apr 23, 2019/Nasim