BSS-01 Bangladesh, Brunei for comprehensive partnership in energy sector

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BSS-01

BANGLADESH-BRUNEI-STATEMENT

Bangladesh, Brunei for comprehensive partnership in energy sector

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 23, 2019 (BSS) – 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 Southeast 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.

More/SH/AHJ/AR/0948 hrs