US firms keen to invest in coal sector

American companies are keen to invest in Bangladesh's coal sector, State Minister for Power and Energy Shamsul Haque Tuku said yesterday.

He was talking to reporters following a meeting with US Ambassador James F Moriarty at the energy ministry.

He said the US envoy apprised him that American energy companies are interested to help Bangladesh in developing energy sector. They particularly want to invest in coal mining after finalisation of the coal policy by the government.

Following the meeting, the envoy said that the minister discussed many issues regarding the energy sector's development in Bangladesh and also the assistance for the victims of very recent cyclonic storm 'Aila' that hit the country's southwest coastal belt.

Moriarty noted that the United States would provide necessary assistance for the victims if Bangladesh side seek any help.

A number of US companies, including oil major Chevron, have been operating in the country's energy and power sector. But this is the first time it was learned that US energy companies are also interested in the coal mines.

Bangladesh has about five coal mines in the country's northern region, having a total coal deposit of 2.5 billion tons.

A draft coal policy is now being reviewed by the government.