PPP hosts workshop on roles and challenges in context of post-pandemic and climate vulnerability

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Office(PMO) and UNDP Bangladesh organized an event addressing the role and challenges of PPP in the context of climate vulnerability.

The session, titled ‘Sustainable Development in the Context of Post-Pandemic and Climate Vulnerability: PPP's Role, Prospects and Challenges in Bangladesh’, was held at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Cabinet Division Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam attended the event as chief guest.

In his speech, Khandker Anwarul Islam insisted on a feasibility study before talking to any investor or development partner.

“That is the baseline. The feasibility study will give us a clear idea of whether the project is viable or not,” he said.

“Drawing, design, and estimate are also important for a proper estimate and cost analysis,” he added.

 “To achieve 2041, we have to be more purposeful,” the Cabinet secretary said, adding that we have to start saying ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’.

“Private sectors are more prone to technologies. So, bring the private sector into the development process,” he said.

He highlighted some government initiatives such as a large drinking water project in the coastal area that was accepted at the last ECNEC meeting.

“This will give great relief and comfort to the people of the coastal area. Moreover, the Water Development Board is also coming up with new projects. They have already completed the feasibility,” he said.

“The government has taken a decision that there will be no more road construction in low-lying land areas. It can create a negative impact on communities. If needed, elevated roads can be constructed,” he added.

He invited technical assistance for these sectors and insisted on CTMS (Computerized Terminal Management System).

PPP Secretary and CEO Sultana Afroz, in her speech, said: “Bangladesh has a huge opportunity for PPPs. It will reduce the burden on government funds and lessen budgetary gaps for infrastructural development in the country.”

“Private engagement will further increase efficiency in infrastructure management and enhance better public service, which will eventually have an impact on the quality of people’s lives,” she added.

Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh, attended the occasion as special guest. ITO Naoki, ambassador of Japan in Bangladesh, Li Jiming, ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh, Saudi envoy Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan were present at the event along with other high officials and distinguished guests.

UNDP Bangladesh Climate Change Specialist AKM Mamunur Rashid delivered a speech on ‘Climate Smart PPP’.

Saule Imanova, investment officer, PPP Transaction Advisory, South Asia, IFC, Dr SM Munjurul H Khan, senior advisor, Centre for Asian Climate and Environmental Policy Studies, and Dr Saleemul Huq, director, ICCCAD, were among designated speakers of the seminar.