China and Canada have good news for the interim government of Bangladesh
Finance and Planning Adviser has proposed to the Chinese ambassador to reduce the interest rate of the 4 billion US dollar loan taken at high interest. Salehuddin Ahmed. Chinese loan commitments to Bangladesh are worth 7 billion dollars. In addition, it is proposed to extend the existing period of repayment of these loans in the future. Finance and planning advisor. Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters this information on Tuesday. Before this, the Chinese ambassador Yao Wen and the Canadian ambassador appointed in the office of the secretariat adviser in Dhaka. Separate meeting with Lily Nicholas Finance and Planning Advisor.
After the meeting, in response to various questions of the journalists, the advisor said that their assistance has been sought in the implementation of the project. In particular, it is said that the financial support for the projects implemented with the financing of China and Canada will continue. They also showed interest.
What the ambassadors said in response to the question. Salehuddin Ahmed said that China had previously mentioned some problems in the implementation of the project, but complained that they had not been resolved. I said I will not take time now, I will quickly identify the problem and solve it.
At this time, the financial advisor added that the quality of the project’s expenditure is guaranteed, the expenditure should be for the welfare of the people and the expenditure will be ensured within the stipulated time.
He also said that the previous government has also taken projects which would not have been taken. It has burdened us with debt. These are sad things. In response to the question whether the Teesta project has been discussed with China, the advisor said, there are some issues, there are some issues with Canada. I have not discussed them in detail. Many other issues were discussed.
Regarding the loan taken from China in exchange of high interest rate, he said, we have discussed with him about the rate of interest. He said he will see. I have asked to extend the re-payment period by another 10 years.
Awami League government has left a debt burden of Tk 18 lakh crore, when asked how to reduce it, Dr. Salehuddin said, “It’s a big pressure, a lot of pressure.” Because they gave them and made a contract. Donors have to say it’s a lot of pressure. We are reviewing them. We are careful about it. We are also talking about it among ourselves. Having started with such a huge debt burden, it is very difficult for us. There is the issue of repayment of loans. We will try to solve them.
Secretary of the Department of Economic Relations (ERD) regarding China’s debt at high interest rates. Shahriar Quader Siddiqui said, the advisor said about the rate of interest that it should be reduced as much as possible and the re-payment period should be increased. They have agreed that they will convey our concern to the Beijing headquarters and will inform us soon.
Meanwhile, when asked by reporters before the meeting with the finance and trade adviser, Chinese ambassador Yao Wen said that this is his first meeting with the finance adviser after the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh. We had a fruitful discussion. Relations with the interim government will continue. He also said that the financial advisor has talked about the projects that are ongoing in Bangladesh with Chinese funding. These projects will continue. Along with this, there was also talk about the need for new support. When asked if there was any discussion about the interest rate of Chinese loans, he said that there was also a discussion about the objection raised on the interest rate of loans from Bangladesh. There is an opportunity to discuss the matter.
