DCCI urges industrialists to setup factories in EZs for uninterrupted power supply

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has urged industrialists to set up factories in designated economic zones to get uninterrupted power and energy supply.

"Taking into account the importance of smooth graduation led transition of Bangladesh amidst the volatile geo-economic climate, we need to prioritize energy security strategy as energy is imperative to sustain the growth momentum, "said DCCI President Barrister Md Sameer Sattar on Saturday, according to a press release.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, was present as chief guest while MD Shafiul Islam, MP, ex-FBCCI was present as special guest.

Sameer suggested investment in primary energy sourcing to enhance gas supply for stable energy supply. He also said fuel and production efficiency in state-owned power plants need to be ensured, the release said.

He urged for a predictable pricing policy so that the private sector can make necessary business planning ahead. Later he suggested a revision of the Power Sector Master Plan (PSMP) based on the future demand and energy supply sourcing mapping.

Government is planning to ensure uninterrupted gas for all industries as the country is going ahead to be a trillion dollar economy by the year 2040, said Nasrul.

Due to unplanned industrialization it becomes difficult for the government to provide gas to all industries, he said.

A Pricing Policy is being prepared, he also informed.

Shafiul suggested the businessmen to be resilient. The private sector is one of the integral part of the stakeholder of this sector, that is why the policy has to be coordinated and consistent, he said.

"We need employment and for employment generation we need industrialization and for industrialization we need uninterrupted power and energy supply. One is dependent on others," he said.

Regarding inflation he said the whole world is suffering from inflation and "we are not an exception". He later urged good governance and efficient use of energy for sustainability. He later requested the government to disconnect all unlawful connections immediately. Faisal Karim Khan, director of Summit Power; Chairman and CEO of PRAN RFL Group Ahsan Khan, spoke at the dialogue, among others.