Bangabandhu Satellite
Govt to consider China co offer: minister
State minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam on Sunday said the government would actively consider the offer extended by China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) over the launch of the country’s first telecommunication satellite — Bangabandhu Satellite — in space. ‘The offer extended by China Great Wall Industry Corporation concerning the Bangabandhu Satellite project would be actively considered by the government,’ he said.
CGWIC is the sole commercial organisation authorised by the Chinese government to provide satellites, commercial launch services and to carry out international space cooperation.
The assurance was conveyed to Chinese ambassador in Dhaka Li Jun during a meeting held at his office at the foreign ministry.
Other ongoing projects, including Chinese Exclusive Industrial Zone (CEIZ), Karnaphuli Tunnel and Railway Bridge, were also discussed at the meeting, said a media release.
The state minister assured the Chinese diplomat of taking necessary steps for increasing the total land for construction of the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal.
He also requested the envoy to look into the possibility of undertaking more projects under concessionary loans instead of supplier’s credit.
Shahriar Alam raised the issue of the difficulties being faced by Bangladeshi nationals to obtain Chinese visa.
In response, Li Jun said they are looking into this matter in order to facilitate more convenience for Bangladeshi visa applicants.
-With New Age input
