Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) have agreed to work jointly to explore harnessing of water resources, including hydropower and power, from other sources available in the sub-region.
The four South Asian countries discussed the
scope of power trade and inter-grid connectivity among them as well as potential for closer cooperation in future power projects, according to a joint media release.
The South Asian countries reached an agreement at the second Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings on Sub-Regional Cooperation on Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower and on Connectivity and Transit among the four countries held in New Delhi on Friday-Saturday.
It was also decided to explore the possibility of using multi-modal transport to meet commercial as well as tourist needs.
Director General (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Tareq M Ariful Islam led the Bangladesh delegation to the meetings.
Director General, Department of Hydropower and Power Systems, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bhutan Dasho Yeshi Wangdi led Bhutanese delegation while Nepalese delegation was led by Joint Secretary (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prakash Kumar Suvedi.
Joint Secretary (North) Abhay Thakur and Joint Secretary (BM), Ministry of External Affairs Sripriya Ranganathan led the Indian side.
The JWG on Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower reviewed the existing cooperation in this sector. It also agreed to exchange lists of potential future hydropower/power projects to be undertaken jointly involving at least three countries on equitable basis.
The JWG on Connectivity and Transit reviewed existing arrangements and agreed on the significance of BBIN agreements to enable movement of motor vehicles and railways.
The meeting exchanged ideas on potential cargo (both roads and railways) and bus routes, involving at least three countries in addition to the existing bilateral routes and also agreed to share suggestions in this regard.
The next meeting of the JWGs will be held in the second half of the current year in Bangladesh.
