PM in UAE: Dhaka, Abu Dhabi sign four deals

Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates yesterday signed four memoranda of understanding on establishing port, industrial park, LNG terminal, power plants and a special economic zone in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina witnessed the signing of the documents at St Regis hotel where she is staying.

Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque briefed reporters after the signing ceremony. PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Mohammad Imran were present.

The government of the UAE and Public Private Partnership Authority under the Prime Minister's Office inked the first MoU to set up a port, dry port and industrial park in Bangladesh.

Chairman of DP World Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Bangladesh Shipping Secretary M Abdus Samad signed the document.

DP World said whenever they construct any port, they do not           limit their activities to the port but set up an industrial park, said Shahidul Haque. “They're thinking of a massive investment," he           said.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina invited them to Bangladesh and told them that the government will extend all the necessary cooperation,” he added.

The second MoU was signed between the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and the power, energy and mineral resources ministry of Bangladesh to supply LNG to Bangladesh on a long-term basis and develop a land-based LNG receiving terminal in Payra.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Narsul Hamid and ENOC Group CEO Saif Humaid Al Falasi inked the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.

The ENOC wanted 300 acres of land in Payra where they will construct the terminal.

Khaled Mahmud, chairman of Power Development Board of Bangladesh, and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, a member of ruling family of Dubai, inked the third MoU.

The objective of the deal is to set up an integrated 800-1000MW LNG power plant in two phases. Besides, there will be a 100MW solar power project.

The fourth MoU was signed between the private office of Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.

Sheikh Ahmed Dalmukh inked the deal for his side while PM's Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman signed it for Bangladesh.

The focus of this MoU is on setting up a special economic zone in Matarbari.

The office wanted 300 acres of land where they will set up a company for investment.

By signing these MoUs, the foreign secretary said the possibility of opening a new door has been created for trade and business between the two countries.