The Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, has emphasized Italy’s interest in expanding cooperation with Bangladesh’s energy sector. Speaking in an interview with multiple media outlets, Ambassador Alessandro highlighted Italy’s close monitoring of the international bidding for oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal.

“Bangladesh’s recent tender for gas exploration is a significant development, attracting global attention,” said Alessandro. He noted that Eni, a major Italian multinational in the oil and gas sector, is considering participating in the bidding process, which remains open until September 9, 2024.

Petrobangla, Bangladesh’s oil, gas, and mineral corporation, has invited international companies to explore 24 offshore blocks, comprising nine shallow and 15 deep-sea blocks. This initiative, titled “Oil and Natural Gas Exploration Under Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2024,” aims to bolster energy resources in the Bay of Bengal.

Ambassador Alessandro underscored the critical role of the energy sector in Bangladesh’s development and the challenges in finding sustainable energy sources. He referred to the two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed between Bangladesh and Italy in July last year, during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Rome, focusing on energy cooperation, particularly in LNG and renewable energy sectors.

The Italian envoy highlighted the potential for Italian companies to contribute to Bangladesh’s energy projects, including waste-to-energy initiatives, a sector where Italy has considerable expertise.

Ambassador Alessandro expressed optimism about the growing multifaceted relationship between Bangladesh and Italy. He noted that Bangladesh, no longer an LDC, offers numerous opportunities for Italian businesses. The growing Bangladeshi community in Italy also plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties.

“Our relations are now diverse, encompassing trade, migration, defense, and culture. There is a significant untapped potential in our cooperation,” he said. Alessandro highlighted the effective cooperation between the Bangladesh Armed Forces and Italy, particularly in UN peacekeeping missions.

The ambassador also mentioned upcoming visits from high-ranking Italian officials for political consultations and commemorations, including the visit of the Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late June.

Regarding the resumption of Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ direct flights to Rome, Alessandro welcomed the development, stressing the importance of demand in determining the feasibility of additional routes.