Dhaka seeks China’s support in clean energy push

Speakers at a workshop on Saturday called on China to enhance its sustainable investments and technological support to accelerate Bangladesh’s economic growth.

They urged the Asian economic powerhouse to expand financial and technical assistance in areas such as clean air initiatives, improved waste management, and renewable energy development.

The workshop was organised by the Sustainability Governance of China’s Global Infrastructure Investment (SGAIN), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, attended the inaugural session as chief guest. The session was chaired by Dr. Badrul Hasan, Lead of SGAIN Bangladesh.

 “China has long been a key development partner of Bangladesh, contributing financial and technical support in infrastructure, socio-economic development, and environmental protection,” said Rizwana Hasan. She emphasised the importance of sustainable governance to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of future generations.

Highlighting the need for further cooperation, she noted that green building practices remain limited in Bangladesh. She also reiterated the country’s goal to generate 30 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Among other distinguished attendees were Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, and Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). Dr. Yixian Sun, Principal Investigator of SGAIN, delivered the introductory remarks.

The workshop featured three technical sessions – “Five Decades of Bangladesh-China Relations: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead”, “Bilateral Cooperation between China and Bangladesh for Net Zero and Energy Transition” and “China’s Role in Green Industrialisation in Bangladesh."

The first session reviewed the historical trajectory and future prospects of bilateral relations. The second explored strategic cooperation for achieving net-zero emissions and a sustainable energy transition. The third examined opportunities for Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s green industrialisation.

In his presentation, Dr. Badrul Hasan noted that diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China began in 1975, followed by the signing of an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement in 1977 worth US$58 million. He added that significant Chinese investment in Bangladesh only began to materialise after 2007.

Other notable participants included Dr. AK Enamul Haque, Director General of BIISS; Shah Mohammad Mahboob, Executive Member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; and Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The event also drew policymakers, academics, business leaders in the renewable energy sector, and prominent Chinese investors.

azizjst@yahoo.com