Economy
Rooppur NPP won’t get fuel supply until all necessary inspections completed
Atomstroyexport, the Russian contractor for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, has announced that it will not supply fuel to the plant until all necessary inspections and scheduled procedures are completed, emphasizing the importance of meeting international safety standards. Alexey Deriy, Vice President of Atomstroyexport and Director of the Rooppur NPP Construction Project, highlighted that the delivery of nuclear fuel is a complex process involving multiple levels of scrutiny.
A press release from Rosatom, the Russian contractor, stated that an acceptance inspection will soon take place in Novosibirsk, Russia. The inspection will ensure that all required inspections and procedures are carried out before fuel is shipped and delivered to the Rooppur NPP. This commitment to meticulous inspections underscores the priority given to safety and adherence to international standards.
Recently, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (BAERA) granted Class B, D, and E licenses to the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) for handling, storage, and transportation of nuclear fuel for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The Class B license permits the purchase, ownership, handling, and storage of nuclear materials, the Class D license allows a Russian transport company to transport nuclear materials, and the Class E license provides authority for the importation of nuclear materials.
A formal ceremony was held in Pabna to mark the handing over of the licenses, with key attendees including Yeafesh Osman, Minister for Science and Technology; Ziaul Hasan, Sr. Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Engr. Md. Muzammel Haque, Chairman of BAERA; Alexey Ferapontov, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological, and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) from Russia; Andrei Petrov, First Deputy Director General for Nuclear Power of the Rosatom State Corporation; and President of ASE.
The Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, which features two VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2400 MW, is being constructed based on Russian design. The VVER 1200 reactors are classified as evolutionary generation III+ and fully comply with international safety requirements. The Engineering Division of Rosatom State Corporation serves as the General Contractor for the project.
Initially undertaken in 2010, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, comprising two units, had set a target to complete the construction of the first unit in 2022 and the second unit in 2023. However, the target was later revised, with the first unit now expected to be completed by June 2024 and the second unit by June 2025, reflecting the evolving nature of the project’s timeline.
The delay in fuel supply to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project highlights the significance placed on thorough inspections and adherence to international safety standards. The Russian contractor’s commitment to ensuring the plant’s safety and operational readiness underscores the dedication to delivering a secure and reliable source of nuclear power for Bangladesh’s energy needs.
Bangladesh is eager to strengthen its bilateral relations with South Korea, particularly in the realms of trade and investment, in pursuit of realizing the dream of achieving a ‘Golden Bengal,’ as envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Md Shahriar Alam, expressed this commitment as the chief guest at a reception commemorating South Korea’s National Foundation Day. The reception, hosted by South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-Sik, took place at a city hotel on Sunday evening.
During his speech, Minister Alam conveyed Dhaka’s contentment with the consistent growth in bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and South Korea. He highlighted the 50-year history of robust bilateral relations and expressed optimism about elevating this friendship to a deeper and more comprehensive level of collaboration.
Furthermore, Minister Alam referenced the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Yoon Suk Yeol on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in India, underlining the significance of such high-level engagements.
He reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision of establishing a knowledge and technology-based prosperous and intelligent Bangladesh by the year 2041.
Minister Alam also expressed gratitude for South Korea’s prompt recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state shortly after its independence on May 12, 1972.
Economy
Vietnam’s National Assembly President Attends Forum in Dhaka for Economic Collaboration with Bangladesh
Vuong Dinh Hue, the President of the Vietnam National Assembly, recently participated in an event held in Dhaka known as the ‘Forum on Policies and Laws to Foster Economic, Trade, and Investment Collaboration between Vietnam and Bangladesh.’ This significant gathering was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh, and in cooperation with key entities including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Vietnamese Business Association in Bangladesh.
The forum drew the presence of a distinguished high-level delegation from the Vietnamese National Assembly, alongside prominent figures from the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), and a substantial representation from businesses on both sides. Additionally, various ministries from both Vietnam and Bangladesh were represented.
During the forum, three notable business-to-business Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were inked. These agreements included collaboration between BMH Vietnam Company and Doreen Group Bangladesh, focusing on investment cooperation, technology transfer, and the advancement of pre-engineered steel production. Another agreement was reached between Bangladesh Vietnam Development Assistance Company and the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Association, with a specific focus on pharmaceutical exchange. Lastly, Huong Giang Aviation Services and the Bangladesh Tourism Association came together to establish a tourism alliance, marking a significant step in enhancing tourism ties between the two nations.
As part of his official three-day tour, Vuong Dinh Hue visited the state-of-the-art facilities of Beximco Pharma in Tongi, where he received an informative presentation and toured the manufacturing facility.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even in the face of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and the climate crisis. She made this declaration during a meeting with Helen Clark, Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), at the United Nations Headquarters.
As part of her commitment to healthcare services accessibility for all citizens, PM Sheikh Hasina mentioned the implementation of the National Health Sector Strategic Plan (2011-2030) and a 27% increase in healthcare sector allocations for the current fiscal year 2023-24.
Helen Clark commended Bangladesh’s exceptional progress in healthcare under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership, citing the nation’s remarkable achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates and ensuring universal healthcare services.
