DHAKA, Feb 11, 2019 (BSS) – Planning Minister MA Mannan today sought more
Japanese assistance for Bangladesh in various sectors in the coming days to
further speed up the development strides of the country.
The minister came up with the request as JICA Chief Representative of
Bangladesh Office Hitoshi Hirata met him at his office this afternoon.
Briefing the reporters after the meeting, Mannan said the JICA Chief
Representative expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing overall operations
of JICA in Bangladesh.
“Japan is our close friend and we want to further deepen our relationship
with Japan. I sought more Japanese assistance for Bangladesh in various
sectors in the coming days,” added the Minister.
Mannan said the JICA Chief Representative informed him that all the JICA-
funded projects like Matarbari Power Plant in Bangladesh are going on
smoothly.
During the meeting, Hirata informed Mannan that operation of metro rail
(MRT-6) is likely to begin in 2022.
The Minister also informed that JICA expressed satisfaction over the
government steps taken to ensure security for the Japanese nationals working
in Bangladesh in various projects after the Holey Artisan attack.
He also expressed his high optimism that the Japanese investment would
come to Bangladesh in a larger volume once the special economic zone
dedicated for Japan comes in to operation.
Responding to a question, Mannan said that Japan is happy over the project
implementation rate under the Annual development Programme (ADP) as they are
supporting the Planning Commission and the Implementation, Monitoring and
Evaluation Division (IMED) to enhance its institutional capacity.
“JICA has however suggested for speeding up the process for preparing the
Development Project Proposal (DPP),” he added.
Mannan said that JICA also lauded Bangladesh for its time timely repayment
of loans.
The Planning Minister also assured the JICA Chief Representative of
providing his allout support during his stay in Bangladesh.