DHAKA: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) wants to give more loans for building new power plants as well as for economic zones in future. 

Planning Minister MA Mannan told reporters after emerging from a meeting with JICA chief to Bangladesh Hitoshi Hirata at the ministry on Monday (February 11).

The estimated cost of Matarbari 1200 megawatt (MW) Ultra Super Critical coal-fired Power Plant is 36,000 crore of Taka.  JICA gave Taka 29,000 crore of loans to this project.

MA Mannan said, “JICA is always positive about loans-the more we want, the more they will give.”

“We sought loans for railway and roads, but they didn’t show interest. However, their interest lies in power plant and economic zone. JICA is a good friend of us. JICA will always stand by our side for development,” the minister also said.

JICA has given loans for 40 development projects. It takes much time to formulate project. JICA asked us to get rid of this problem, the minister also added.

BDST: 1908 HRS, FEB 11, 2019

AH