Kathmandu: Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Dipak Khadka, discussing mutual energy cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting held at the Ministry, Minister Khadka highlighted Nepal's vast hydropower potential and emphasized the importance of strengthening energy ties with Bangladesh, especially given its rising energy demand. He expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting between secretaries from both countries, which will focus on large hydroelectric projects, cross-border transmission agreements with India, and electricity trade.

Khadka also mentioned the anticipated signing of a historic power trade agreement involving the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Bangladesh Power Development, and India's Power Trading Corporation (PTC). He further discussed advancing joint ventures for projects like the 680-MW Sunkoshi reservoir hydropower project.

Ambassador Chowdhury expressed Bangladesh's desire to promote trade with Nepal and sign a power purchase agreement for 40 MW. He also assured Bangladesh’s support in enhancing power production, trade, and transmission line development in Nepal. Additionally, the ambassador offered assistance in introducing new agricultural technologies to Nepal.

The meeting was also attended by Ministry Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel, senior energy expert Prabal Adhikari, and other officials.