BSS-34 Japan’s US$ 2.5b ODA helps Bangladesh taking off: Momen

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ZCZC

BSS-34

MOMEN-JAPAN

Japan’s US$ 2.5b ODA helps Bangladesh taking off: Momen

DHAKA, June 10, 2019 (BSS) – Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today termed Prime Minister’s recent Japan visit as very significant as Dhaka inked 2.5 billion US Dollar worth deal with Tokyo.

“It’s a lot of money …. we do believe it will help us a lot as Bangladesh is now at a taking off state,” he told reporters at his office at foreign ministry here.

On 29 May during the Prime Minister’s Tokyo visit, Bangladesh and Japan signed their 40th Official Development Assistance (ODA) deal involving US$ 2.5 billion for implementing four projects that is 35 percent higher compared to last year’s ODA.

Four projects, taken under the 40th ODA package deal, are Matarbari Port Development Project, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line 1), Foreign Direct Investment Promotion Project and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Promotion Financing Project (Phase 2).

Momen said Japan has also agreed to take skilled manpower from Bangladesh for the first time after teaching them Japanese language here.

“During the visit, we have also signed a paper in this regard. It’s an achievement for Bangladesh as Japan agreed to take our human resources for the first time,” he said.

Apart from the government to government deals, the foreign minister said a private deal was also signed to set up a specialized modern cancer hospital in Dhaka at a cost of Taka 2000 crore.

Momen said Tokyo has decided to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with Dhaka during the Bangladesh’s grand celebration of golden jubilee of independence.

BSS/ASG/TA/KU/1950 HRS