Bhubaneswar, 18th April, 2016: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas is visiting Bangladesh from 17th to 19th April, 2016. The visit is aimed at following up on the ambitious agenda set between India and Bangladesh during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in June, 2015.
On arrival at Dhaka, Shri Pradhan met with Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Ms Sheikh Hasina. He conveyed that the India-Bangladesh bilateral relationship has become pragmatic and mature over the last few years. He discussed all bilateral issues pertaining to hydrocarbon sector between the two countries.
Shri Pradhan referred to the supply of 2200 MT High Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh from Siliguri Marketing Terminal of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) to Parbatipur Depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) in Bangladesh, and said that India was planning to continue supply of HSD in a sustainable manner.
He noted the ongoing collaboration between companies from both countries in the hydrocarbon sector ranging from trade in petroleum products, exploration work and consultancy services. Shri Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Sheik Hasina for the encouraging support received from her government.
He shared the details of Indian hydrocarbon infrastructure project proposals in Bangladesh, including setting up of LPG import terminal at Chittagong by IOCL and sought favorable consideration for creating win-win situation for both sides. Shri Pradhan also discussed the ‘Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline’ and called it as an important project for both countries.
During his stay in Bangladesh, Shri Pradhan met Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Adviser on Energy, Power and Mineral Resources to the Prime Minister and Mr Nasrul Hamid, Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh.
Today, Shri Pradhan witnessed the signing of a MoU on broad aspects of cooperation in downstream oil and gas sector opportunities in Bangladesh between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and BPC. He will also visit Chittagong on 19th April to witness award of contract by Eastern Refineries Ltd to Engineers India Limited (EIL) as Project Management and Consultant for its 3 MMTPA refinery expansion project.
Shri Pradhan is accompanied by CEOs of major Public Sector oil and gas companies and senior officials of his Ministry.
