
Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Nepal, visited with Dipak Khadka, Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, on Sunday to discuss matters relating to energy cooperation. The discussion at the ministry focused on strengthening collaborations in hydropower development, cross-border transmission, and electricity commerce as Bangladesh’s energy demands expand.
Minister Khadka highlighted Nepal’s enormous hydropower potential: “Nepal has vast capacity for producing hydropower, and this meeting marks a significant step forward in deepening energy cooperation with Bangladesh.” With India’s participation, he expressed confidence that the planned negotiations between officials from both countries will open the road for agreements on huge hydropower projects and cross-border transmission lines.
One of the main subjects of discussion was the 680-MW Sunkoshi reservoir hydropower project. Minister Khadka announced that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board are discussing an alliance arrangement. He stated, “The impending deal with PTC India would be an important turning point in the Nepal-Bangladesh energy partnership. We are confident in the Bangladeshi Embassy’s help to finish the joint venture.”
Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury stated Bangladesh’s ambition to grow energy commerce by signing a 40 MW power purchase deal with Nepal. He continued: “Bangladesh is eager to contribute to Nepal’s power sector, not only through energy trade but also by supporting the development of essential infrastructure like transmission lines.” The ambassador also offered Bangladesh’s knowledge in agricultural technology, pledging to assist Nepal in increasing agricultural output through new ways.
Many important individuals attended the conference, including Energy Ministry Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel and top energy specialist Prabal Adhikari. Secretary Sigdel stated: “This partnership will strengthen Nepal’s energy infrastructure while creating new avenues for regional cooperation in South Asia’s power sector.” Both parties expressed confidence in the favorable outcomes of the future diplomatic discussions, which are scheduled to address crucial problems in hydropower and electricity trading.
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