ECNEC clears two COVID-19 response projects worth Tk 24.92 billion

The government on Tuesday approved two COVID-19 response projects at a combined cost of Tk 24.92 billion aimed at combating the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus in the country.

Along with both the projects, the government’s highest economic policy making body—Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC)—endorsed a total of 10 projects involving Tk 162.76 billion.

Presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the ECNEC meeting was held at the Planning Commission on Tuesday. The PM joined the meeting from the Ganabhaban through video conferencing.

After the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said the ECNEC endorsed two very important projects for the Ministry of Health so that it could improve its services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the Tk 11.27 billion worth “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Pandemic Preparedness project”, the World Bank will provide Tk 8.50 billion fund and for the Tk 13.64 billion cost “COVID-19 Response Emergency Assistance proejct”, the Asian Development Bank will give Tk 8.50 billion fund, he added.

The Minister said the meeting approved a total of 10 development projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 162.76 billion.

Out of the total cost, Tk 144.01 billion fund will come from the internal resources and the rest Tk 18.82 billion from the external resources as the projects aid, Mr Mannan said.