Dhaka:Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan emphasized the importance of strengthening and expanding development cooperation with France during a meeting with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions focused on increasing French investment in Bangladesh, enhancing cooperation in ongoing development projects, providing assistance for new projects, and expanding trade and commerce. The meeting also expressed satisfaction over Bangladesh's purchase of 10 aircraft from France's Airbus.
Dr. Moyeen Khan highlighted France's significant role in the development of Bangladesh's infrastructure, water supply, sanitation, and urban management. He noted that expanding this cooperation could elevate the development partnership between the two nations.
Currently, there are four projects being implemented in collaboration with the French development agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Local Government Division. These projects include the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant (Phase III), Dhaka Environmentally Sustainable Water Supply Project (Phase III), Chattogram Metropolitan Sanitation Project for North Kattali Catchment, and Improving Urban Governance and Infrastructure Project, with France providing approximately Tk 12,500 crore in project assistance.
Additionally, a new initiative is underway to implement the 'Water Supply, Inclusive Sanitation and Hygiene Project in Urban and Towns of Bangladesh' with French support, aiming to enhance water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in urban areas.
The meeting also emphasized investment and business expansion between the two countries, effective implementation of development projects, and exploring new areas of cooperation in the future. Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan, Director General of the Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Inspection Wing Shibir Bichitra Barua, and other senior ministry officials were present.