Bangladesh, China Exim Bank discuss financing for power projects

Bangladesh and China Exim Bank have discussed financing for several power sector projects, including the expansion of the Payra power plant and the modernisation of electricity grid and distribution networks.
A delegation led by China Exim Bank President Wang Chunying met Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday to discuss financing for ongoing and future projects.
Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Engr Md Rezaul Karim and senior officials were also present.
The discussions covered the Payra Thermal Power Plant expansion, the Power Grid Network Strengthening Project under the government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, and the expansion and strengthening of the Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) network.
The minister stressed that a stable power and energy supply was essential for national development and economic growth. He urged the bank to expedite financing for the Payra expansion, smart grids and control systems, and DPDC network upgrades.
Referring to Bangladesh’s clean energy transition under the Renewable Energy Policy 2026, he called for faster financing for future projects involving national grid control systems, power network expansion and modernisation. He also invited Wang to visit bank-financed project sites in Bangladesh.
Wang reaffirmed China Exim Bank’s support for Bangladesh’s infrastructure development and welcomed recent tariff and duty reductions by the National Board of Revenue to promote green energy investment. She also expressed interest in financing and providing expertise for renewable energy projects, including ground-mounted and floating solar, wind power and waste-to-energy initiatives.
Both sides agreed to expedite institutional responses to facilitate financing approvals for the G2G power grid strengthening and DPDC network expansion projects, while continuing cooperation to improve the stability and resilience of Bangladesh’s power sector.