Dhaka: The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has emphasized the necessity of developing a unified online platform for all registration and licensing procedures to enhance the investment facilitation environment for investors. This recommendation was put forth during the 3rd Bangladesh-China Renewable Energy Forum, themed ‘Recent Challenges for Chinese Overseas Investment in Bangladesh’s Renewable Energy Sector: Way Forward,’ held at a city hotel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the private think tank highlighted the importance of this development in a bid to address the challenges faced by investors in the sector. The event saw the participation of Jalal Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, as a special guest, alongside Nahian Rahman Rochi, Head of Business Development at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), and Mohammad Alauddin, Rector of the Bangladesh Power Management Institute, as guests of honor.
Distinguished discussants at the forum included Han Kun, President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh, and other notable figures from both Bangladeshi and Chinese renewable energy sectors. Jalal Ahmed stated that the government is actively working towards achieving the target of generating 20 percent of power from renewable sources by 2025, as outlined in the Renewable Energy Policy.
Nahian Rahman Rochi announced that BIDA is planning to establish sector-specific desks to enhance the investment environment, with renewable energy being a top priority. Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at CPD, in his presentation, identified partial digitalization and complex regulatory norms as significant barriers discouraging potential investors.
Wang Weiquan of the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association shared insights from China’s successful renewable energy policies, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive framework supported by national policy. Meanwhile, Md Shahidur Rahman pointed out the lack of land arrangements for solar power plants in Bangladesh as a key obstacle, along with issues of unauthorized and substandard solar panel imports.
Masudur Rahim highlighted the need for infrastructure development and ease of dividend repatriation to attract Chinese investors, noting that the current investment climate in Bangladesh is not very conducive to foreign investment.