Dhaka, October 15, 2026: Bangladesh and China Exim Bank have discussed financing for key power sector projects, including the expansion of the Payra Thermal Power Plant and upgrades to the national power grid and Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) network.
A delegation from China Exim Bank, led by its President, Wang Chunying, met Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation and financing opportunities.
.jpeg)
The meeting reviewed the Payra Thermal Power Plant project, the Power Grid Network Strengthening Project under the government-to-government (G2G) framework, and the Expansion and Strengthening of the Power Network in the DPDC area, also under the G2G arrangement. The two sides also discussed potential financing for future power sector projects.
The minister said a stable power and energy supply was essential for national development. He urged the bank to expedite financing for Payra’s expansion, modernization of national grid control systems and smart grid development, and strengthening of the DPDC network.
He also highlighted Bangladesh’s clean energy transition under its renewable energy policy and called for faster financing decisions to support grid modernization and future power infrastructure. The minister invited Wang to visit project sites financed by the bank in Bangladesh.
Wang reaffirmed China Exim Bank’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. She welcomed recent tariff and duty reductions by the National Board of Revenue to encourage green energy investment and expressed interest in financing and providing expertise for ground-mounted and floating solar, wind power and waste-to-energy projects.
Both sides agreed to accelerate institutional coordination and financing clearances for the G2G power grid strengthening and DPDC network expansion projects, with the aim of improving the reliability and stability of Bangladesh’s power sector.
Ashik Chowdhury, Chairman of Invest Bangladesh; Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh; Bangladesh Power Development Board Chairman Engr. Md. Rezaul Karim; and senior Power Division officials attended the meeting.
