Bangladesh-Japan has signed US$ 3.2 billion Official Development Assistant (ODA) for seven projects. Japan has provided this loan assistance under the 41st ODA. This is the largest loan assistance between the two countries.

The agreement was signed between Bangladesh and Japan yesterday. Fatima Yasmin, Secretary, Department of Economic Relations, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of Bangladesh and Ito Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Dhaka, exchanged notes on the occasion. So far, Japan has provided 22 billion in assistance.

According to the Japanese embassy, ​​the 41st ODA has been given 30 years to repay the loan at 7.5 percent interest. In addition, an additional grace period of 10 years has been given. The consultation fee has been kept at zero point one percent.

In the 41st ODA, Jamuna Rail Bridge 2 for 69.16 billion yen, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project 2 for 70 billion, Dhaka MRT 4 project for 62.194 billion, Dhaka MRT 5 project for 55.697 billion yo, Chittagong 1.908 billion yen in development projects, 11.217 billion yen in food value chain development projects and 26.217 billion yen in urban development and urban governance projects.

According to the Japanese Embassy, ​​the Jamuna Rail Bridge 2 project will help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Bangladesh. The duration of the project is till March 2024. The bridge will be built. Project consultants and construction supervisors have already been appointed. In addition, an agreement has been reached for the tender for the initial purchase through international competition.

The Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion Project has been taken up considering the capacity and future demand of the airport. This project will also help in achieving SDG 9. The duration of the project is till March 2024. The airport will be expanded. Project consultants and construction supervisors have already been appointed. In addition, an agreement has been reached for the tender for the initial purchase through international competition.

Dhaka MRT 4 project has been taken to reduce traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in Dhaka city. It will help achieve SDG 9 and 11. The project is targeted to be completed by December 2022. Project consultants and construction supervisors have already been appointed. In addition, an agreement has been reached for the tender for the initial purchase through international competition.

The MRT 5 project will assist in achieving SDG 9 and 11. The target is to complete the project by November 2029. Project consultants and construction supervisors have already been appointed. International tenders have also been announced for the initial procurement process.

The Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar Highway Development Project has been undertaken to improve communication between Matarbari Port and Chittagong. This project will help in achieving SDG 3 and 9. The project is targeted to be completed by September 2023. LOI has been given for the appointment of consultants in the project.

Food Value Chain Development Project has been undertaken to improve the efficiency of food security, food processing, agro and food processing business and credit cooperation in agri business and food processing industry. It will help achieve SDGs 1, 2 and 6. The project is targeted to be completed by September 2026. Loan disbursement will be completed at this time. LOI has already been issued for the recruitment and management cooperation of project consultants.

Urban development and urban good governance projects have been undertaken to develop infrastructure for the development of good governance in certain cities. It will assist Bangladesh in achieving Sustainable Goal 11. The duration of this project is till June 2026.