Staff Reporter
Japan yesterday offered Bangladesh a loan Assistance Package of US$440 Million for Electricity and Bridges Projects.
The loan offer came at a telephone conversation when Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso made the call to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday.
During the talks the two prime ministers discussed various bilateral issues including recently held national election of Bangladesh. Seikh Hasina expressed her deep appreciation for the dispatch of election observers to the national election December last year.
Prime Minister Aso replied that he received the report of Japanese election observer team that the national election was conducted in a free and fair manner. He continued to express his belief that the success of the national election proves that democratic governance is all the more deeply rooted in Bangladesh and that the national election was most appropriate for the new beginning of Bangladesh democracy.
Prime Minister Aso said that Japan and Bangladesh have enjoyed cordial relationship for long time and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the cooperation in various international arenas. He said that the Government of Japan has decided to provide the Loan Package for the construction of power plant project, the power distribution project and the bridge improvement project for the purpose of supporting the country.
Prime Minister Hasina said that she was grateful for the assistance from Japan which has always been a good friend of Bangladesh since its liberation time and she requested for continued support for the development of Bangladesh. The 30th loan package of Japan will finance 360 MW New Haripur Power Plant Development Project (Part II) at a cost of US$245 million, Central Zone Power Distribution Project at a cost of US$ 107 million and Eastern Bangladesh Bridge Improvement Project at US$ 86 million.
The loan is at 0.01 per cent interest per annum and the repayment period is 40 years inclusive of 10-year grace period for the three loans, in accordance with “Minimal Interest Rate Initiative (MIRAI).”
Courtesy: nation.ittefaq.com
