 July 2024Mr. Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India to Bhutan, undertook an official visit to Bhutan in July 2024. During the Third India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, both countries discussed the implementation of India's development support for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan. A key highlight of the talks was the approval of 61 projects covering a wide range of sectors. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy, Connectivity |
 July 2024The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Foreign Ministers' Retreat drew to a close on 11-12 July 2024, as foreign ministers gathered to strengthen cooperation among the BIMSTEC member countries. Mr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India External Affairs Minister, lauded the retreat, describing it as "productive" and the meetings "highly useful." Read More Tags: India, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
 June 2024The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase in Bangladesh has approved a proposal to import 40 megawatts of electricity from Nepal. This marks a significant step in energy cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy |
 May 2024Seven countries now generate nearly all their electricity from renewable energy sources, according to newly compiled figures by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Bhutan and Nepal produced more than 99.7% of their electricity using geothermal, hydro, solar, or wind power. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, Energy |
 May 2024A new ADB project, named Promoting Energy Transition through Regional Cooperation and Integration in South Asia, will prepare cross-border energy projects, conduct capacity development, and facilitate cooperation among energy agencies in among SASEC countries. Read More Tags: Energy, Regional Cooperation, South Asia, ADB |
 April 2024The governments of Bangaldesh and Bhutan reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, tourism, and connectivity at their Third Foreign Office Consultation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2024The third round of Foreign Office Consultations between the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal, reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the countries' excellent state of affairs. The meeting agreed to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, commerce, transit, connectivity, power, energy, and tourism. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Transport, Energy, Tourism |
 March 2024The electric power trade agreement between India and Nepal has been renewed for a three-month period. This will facilitate the import and export of electricity between the two nations. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 March 2024The Governments of Bhutan and India exchanged multiple agreements across various sectors, encompassing energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, and agriculture. They also finalized the MoU on establishment of rail connectivity, marking a comprehensive enhancement of cooperation between the two nations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy, Trade |
 February 2024The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHPA-II) in Wangdue, Bhutan, has reached a pivotal phase with the successful filling of its reservoir on 21 February 2024. With a capacity of 7 million cubic meters of water, it will support a 1,020 MW facility expected to produce 4,357 million units of electricity each year. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy, Hydropower |
 February 2024Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fix "actual" energy prices and establish a power market to allow Bangladesh to import and export electricity from and to neighboring countries. Mr. Hamid met with Mr. Takeo Konishi, director general, ADB South Asia Department, and Mr. Edimon Ginting, ADB country director for Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Connectivity, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan |
 January 2024PTC India Limited has commenced power supply from Bhutan’s Nikachhu Hydropower Project. The electricity supply will be imported from Bhutan to Assam under the Long Term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) executed in 2014. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Bhutan, India, Energy |
 January 2024The Governments of India and Nepal signed a long-term power trade agreement on 4 January 2024. The agreement is a 25-year deal, and aims to export 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India in the next ten years. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 December 2023The article, “BIMSTEC's energy landscape: Present achievements and future aspirations,” published in the Financial Express, examines why the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a formidable option for bolstering energy cooperation and addressing the energy needs of its member states. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Energy |
 December 2023Mr. Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Nepal Minister for Energy, inaugurated the Kushma-Butwal power transmission line along the Kaligandaki corridor. The 90-kilometer, 220-kilovolt transmission line is expected to facilitate stable power supply for the districts of Nawalparasi and Rupandehi in Nepal. It was funded by an investment from the Government of Nepal, the Nepal Electric Authority, and the Asian Development Bank through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB, SASEC |
 November 2023The King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, paid an official visit to India in November 2023. His visit emphasized bilateral cooperation on energy and hydropower, an important pillar of Bhutan-India partnership. His trip to Assam covered a wide range of issues, including expanding rail connectivity and cross-border trade infrastructure. Read More Tags: Energy, Bhutan, India, Hydropower |
 October 2023From mid-July to mid-October 2023, Nepal’s electricity export to India reached NPR9.64 billion (approximately $72.2 million). Electricity export has helped reduce Nepal’s trade deficit with India and increased the country’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Hydropower, India |
 October 2023Construction of transmission lines along the Kali Gandaki Corridor was successfully completed. The 220-kV double circuit transmission line is expected to contribute to improving Nepal’s national electricity grid system. The project was financed by the Asian Development Bank, under the SASEC Power System Expansion Project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 September 2023India has allowed Nepal to sell electricity in its real-time energy market. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Central Electricity Authority of India has allowed the trading of 44 MW of electricity generated from the 19.4 MW Lower Modi and 24.25 MW Kabeli B-1 hydropower projects in the real-time market. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
September 2023 The long-term electricity trade agreement between the Governments of India and Nepal has formally received approval from the Council of Ministers of India. This paves the way for Nepal to export up to 10,000 megawatts of electricity to Nepal over a period of 10 years. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
August 2023 The Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have agreed in principle to allow the supply of electricity to Bangladesh from Nepal via India’s transmission line. A formal agreement among the three nations will be signed soon, according to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) officials. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy |
 July 2023The fourth meeting of experts from India and Nepal on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project have agreed to move forward and finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 6,480 MW project in Nepal. The project is part of the Mahakali treaty signed by the two countries in February 1996. The project aims to generate power, provide irrigation, and mitigate flooding. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
July 2023 The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to sign a long-term power sale agreement that will run for 25 years, according to Mr. Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), are set to sign a tripartite agreement allowing the export of power from Nepal to Bangladesh using Indian territory. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
June 2023 The trilateral power deal being discussed among the Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal is expected to be signed soon. The three-way agreement among the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), aims to enable Nepal to export an initial capacity of around 40 megawatts of power to Bangladesh via India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy |
 May 2023The fifth Bangladesh-Nepal joint steering committee (JSC) meeting on energy cooperation discussed greater bilateral cooperation in the power sector. Both countries agreed to undertake efforts to sign a tripartite agreement with India that would enable Nepal to export 40 MW of power to Bangladesh as early as the upcoming wet season (June-November) using the existing transmission infrastructure of the three countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy |
 May 2023The meeting reviewed several priorities in energy cooperation, including joint development of cross-border trade projects and energy efficiency projects in Bangladesh, and tripartite investment of Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan in hydropower projects in Bhutan, and import of produced electricity to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 April 2023The SASEC Highway Improvement Project was recognized for excellence in project management, gender and social inclusion, and environmental and social safeguards monitoring alongside other ADB projects by the Government of Nepal. Also awarded were Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project-Additional Financing, Rural Enterprise Financing Project, and Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement. Read More Tags: SASEC, Nepal, ADB, Road, South Asia, Energy |
 March 2023The Governments of India and Nepal held the 14th meeting of the bilateral Power Exchange Committee on 17 March 2023. The meeting agreed to enable Nepal to export power to multiple Indian states through the transmission infrastructure in Bihar (India). A modality will be formulated in this regard. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
February 2023 The Governments of India and Nepal held the 10th joint steering committee meeting of Nepal-India Energy Secretary-level. Discussions were held on important issues including expanding existing, under-construction, and proposed transmission lines. India has also responded positively to Nepal's request to allow export of 50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via India as per export-import guidelines if a specific proposal is submitted. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Bangladesh |
 February 2023Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, met with Mr. Masud bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh. They agreed to further strengthen ongoing bilateral cooperation, in areas of trade and investment, connectivity, power and energy and people-to-people ties. They also agreed to enhance their cooperation and consultations on regional and international issues of shared interest. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Hydropower |
 February 2023A memorandum of understanding on linking India and Sri Lanka’s electricity grids could soon be signed to be followed by a feasibility study, according to Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India. India and Sri Lanka revived talks on linking their electricity grids in the first quarter of 2022. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, India, Energy |
 January 2023Mr. S. Jaishnakar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, met with Mr. Ali Sabry, Foreign Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka. They discussed cooperation in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, industry, and health. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Energy, Tourism |
 January 2023A bilateral meeting on electricity cooperation was held between Bangladesh and India. The meeting discussed the continued growth of Bangladesh's power sector and increasing demand for electricity in the country. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, sought Indian cooperation to allow Bangladesh to import hydropower from Bhutan and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy |
 December 2022The 720-megawatt Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project was handed over to Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation on 27 December 2022. The commissioning of the project has increased Bhutan's Electrical Power Generation Capacity by 44% to 2,326 MW. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy |
 November 2022Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, chief coordinator of G20 Presidency of India, highlighted the importance of energy connectivity and increasing regional trade. Noting that energy connectivity can be a game changer for the country, he underscored the new cross-border energy trading policy, which will allow power to be traded between Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India through corridors in India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Energy, Connectivity, India |
 November 2022The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) plans to further expand and strengthen the country's transmission and distribution system to make the country's electricity supply smooth and reliable, increase domestic consumption, and promote the export of surplus power to Bangladesh and India. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 October 2022India’s Central Electricity Authority granted the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) approval to export an additional 22 megawatts of power produced by the Chilime Hydropower Company. Mr. Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai, Spokesperson of NEA, confirmed the approval obtained on 31 October 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 October 2022Mr. Alok Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Power of the Government of India led a delegation to Bhutan on 29-31 October 2022. His visit reviewed all aspects of Bhutan-India energy cooperation and emphasized the commitment by both countries to complete ongoing hydropower projects according to the agreed timeline. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Energy |
 October 2022Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of the Government of Nepal to the Government of Bangladesh, noted when he met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that Nepal will initially supply 40-50 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh. Nepal will increase the supply further upon completion of the 900 MW Upper Karnali hydropower project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 September 2022The 9th meeting of the Joint Committee on Water Resources between the Governments of India and Nepal have agreed to move forward with the Sapta Kosi high dam project by conducting further studies. The joint team of experts is expected to convene soon. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Hydropower, Energy |
 September 2022Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s discussions highlighted several developments in bilateral relations in trade and connectivity, power and energy, and people-to-people linkages. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Transport, BBIN, Energy |
 August 2022National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) and the PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation of India Limited) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of power to be generated from Nepal’s West Seti and Seti River-6 Projects in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 August 2022Climate change is a daunting development challenge that transcends borders. It therefore calls for greater global consensus and cooperation along with bold targets to tackle its widespread and multidimensional consequences. This commentary appears on the Development Asia website. Read More Tags: Energy, COVID-19, Renewable Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2022Officials of the Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. The event emphasized increasing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in sectors such as hydropower, tourism, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people linkages. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, Tourism |
July 2022 Research on the impact of cross-border energy trade in Bhutan noted that the country’s electricity exports in 2020 increased due to the guaranteed market for Bhutan’s excess electricity under the power purchase agreements (PPA) between Bhutan and India. Bhutan’s energy sector also noted improved hydrology in the same year. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy |
 July 2022Bhutan’s Minister for Economic Affairs Loknath Sharma met with ministers from relevant agencies in India. The meeting focused on hydropower cooperation between the two countries and the future of their hydropower cooperation. The meeting also agreed to work toward the closure of the Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Project Limited joint venture company. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy |
 July 2022Bangladesh aims to invest in Nepal’s Sunkoshi III hydropower project, according to Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury. The planned project will have a capacity of 683 megawatts and will be established in Lubughat, Khadadevi. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Hydropower, Energy |
 July 2022Regional forums such as South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, and South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation bring together stakeholders and more local or regional institutions are needed to gain optimal benefit from regional cooperation. This commentary appears on the Dhaka Tribune. Read More Tags: Energy, SASEC, SAARC, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
June 2022 Nepal now sells a total of 364 megawatts (MW) of electricity to India through the Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX). Nepal started exporting an additional 144 MW of electricity to India generated by the Kaligandaki hydropower plant on 5 June 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 May 2022Mr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, highlighted in his inaugural address at the Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) Asian Confluence River Conclave 2022 the importance of connectivity. He underscored that the coming together of the “Act East” and the “Neighborhood First” policies have an enormous impact extending beyond South Asia. Read More Tags: India, BBIN, Act East Policy, Neighborhood First Policy, Myanmar, Connectivity, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 May 2022ADB Vice-President Shixin Chen visited the SASEC Chattogram–Cox's Bazar Railway Project and other ADB-assisted projects during a six-day visit to Bangladesh. Mr. Chen was in Dhaka to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, during which he reaffirmed ADB's commitment to supporting rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, ADB, SASEC, Energy, Rail Transport |
 May 2022The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal and the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka jointly organized a webinar among the Nepal Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MOEWRI) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and around 30 hydropower companies from Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Energy, Investment |
 May 2022The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing a proposal to construct a 400-kilovolt transmission line along the Postal Highway. The proposed transmission line could be an alternative to the 400kV transmission line being built along the East-West Highway. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, India, BBIN |
April 2022 Mr. R. K. Singh, Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India, and Ms. Aminath Shauna, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Government of Maldives held discussions on establishing transmission interconnection for renewable power transfer. Their meeting proposed signing two MoUs: (i) energy cooperation, and (ii) transmission interconnection. Read More Tags: India, Maldives, Energy |
 April 2022The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) held the 3rd Meeting of the BIMSTEC Energy Ministers on 20 April 2022. Energy ministers from BIMSTEC countries adopted a joint statement calling for greater energy cooperation in the region. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 April 2022Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, convened the first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Group (IMCG) on 12 April 2022. The IMCG is a high-level mechanism aimed at mainstreaming India’s "Neighborhood First" policy that aims to build greater connectivity, forge stronger inter-linkages, and greater people-to-people contact. Read More Tags: India, Transport, Trade Facilitation, Energy |
March 2022 Construction of the Mainahiya (Rupandehi, Nepal)–Sampatiya (Uttar Pradesh, India) 132 kiloVolt transmission line has achieved 60% progress, noted the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). This transmission line is important to facilitate electricity trade between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 February 2022The Governments of India and Nepal held the 9th Joint Working Group and Joint Steering Committee meetings on bilateral power sector cooperation. The meeting discussions focused on joint development of power generation projects in Nepal; joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure; power trade; and capacity building assistance. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 January 2022Mr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, held a virtual meeting with Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, Finance Minister of the Government of Sri Lanka on 15 January 2022. The meeting reiterated India’s continued support for Sri Lanka, and emphasized that both countries stand to gain from forming closer economic interlinkages. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport, Energy |
December 2021 The Governments of Bangladesh and India renewed their power trading agreement on 2 December 2021. Under the new agreement, India through the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited will supply 192 megawatts (MW) of power to Bangladesh. This is an increase of 20% from the 160 MW India previously supplied Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 September 2021The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the Electricity Grid Modernization Project through an additional $60 million loan to upgrade power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The project will help Nepal reach its electricity consumption target of 700 kilowatt hours per capita by 2026, according to Mr. Jiwan Acharya, Principal Energy Specialist for South Asia, ADB. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 July 2021A 132-kilovolt (kV) Samundratar-Trishuli transmission line and a 132/33-kV Samundratar substation under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program were inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The 25.74-kilometer transmission line will be able to transmit up to 270 megawatts of electricity. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC |
June 2021 Bangladesh will import around 700 megawatts of hydropower from Nepal to meet its future electricity demand. The country is set to sign an agreement with Nepal for the hydropower import. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
May 2021 The small hydropower plant at Chandannath Municipality in Nepal's Jumla District was rehabilitated with financial assistance from the Government of India. The plant was virtually inaugurated by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal, the District Coordination Committee of Jumla, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on 5 May. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
April 2021 The Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Government of Bhutan launched the Sustainable Hydropower Development Policy (SHDP) 2021 on 21 April 2021. The SHDP 2021 is expected to guide the overall development of Bhutan's abundant hydropower resources in consonance with national economic development goals, other relevant policies and laws, and more importantly to benefit the nation and achieve the larger aspirations of its people for peace, prosperity, and happiness. Read More Tags: Energy, Bhutan, Hydropower |
 April 2021The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has launched the Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET) on its platform. The IEX aims to provide the most competitive benchmark for power prices and valuable signals for the value chain. It will work closely with designated nodal agencies for cross border electricity trade to facilitate inter-country power trade through the exchange market. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Trade, Hydropower, BBIN |
March 2021 The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) awarded GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business the contract to upgrade three gas insulated substations (GIS) from 220 kilovolt (KV) to 400 KV. These are critical components of the Nepal SASEC Power Transmission and Distribution Project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB |
 March 2021An official meeting between Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 24 March 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, emphasized boosting trade, connectivity, and cooperation in energy between the two South Asian nations. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, Trade, Connectivity, BBIN, Energy |
 March 2021The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation on 22 March 2021. SPS, as well as technical barriers to trade (TBT), serves as critical nontariff measures that constrain trade in the SASEC subregion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary |
 March 2021The Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Ltd. (KHEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India’s power sector financers under the Ministry of Power for the 600-megawatt (MW) hydropower project in eastern Bhutan. KHEL is the first hydropower joint venture between Bhutan and India. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Energy, Hydropower |
 March 2021South Asia needs an integrated energy grid to reduce transmission cost and promote regional economic development, said Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India. The subregion should bring together buyers and sellers and harmonize regulatory frameworks to harness the potential of the power trade, he added. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Hydropower, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 February 2021The Dhakelbar substation came online on 1 February 2021. The 400-kilovolt substation enables the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority to exchange 1,000 to 1,200 megawatts of electricity with India via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line. Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said the infrastructure will serve as the main gateway to import and export electricity to India. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 January 2021The Governments of Bangladesh and India held their Foreign Office Consultations on 29 January 2021 in New Delhi, India. The meeting held a comprehensive review of progress achieved in their bilateral relationship in areas such as cooperation on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), trade, connectivity, development partnership, power, energy, and regional cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Energy, Trade, COVID-19 |
 January 2021The 19th Joint Steering Committee meeting on Bangladesh-India cooperation in the power sector held on 23 January 2021 at Dhaka, Bangladesh reviewed the status of power trade between the two countries. They also discussed energy trade involving Nepal and Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, India |
 January 2021India and Sri Lanka are looking forward to cooperating post-COVID-19, underscored Mr. Jaishankar during his visit to Sri Lanka. He noted that many opportunities are in discussion, such as special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing and tourism. There were also proposals in infrastructure, energy, and connectivity. He also stressed that the Indian business community is strongly interested in investing in Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Tourism, Energy |
December 2020 The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for a project that will modernize the country’s electric grid on 30 December 2020. The Electricity Grid Modernization Project, a $156 million concessional loan from ADB, will increase the capacity and reach of Nepal’s power distribution networks to meet current and future demands, improve reliability and quality of supply, and reduce losses. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Energy |
 December 2020The virtual summit held by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed their bilateral relationship amid the challenges brought on by COVID-19. They also jointly inaugurated the newly restored railway link between Haldibari (India) and Chilahati (Bangladesh), and agreed to soon operationalize the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, Trade, Health |
 December 2020The governments of India and Nepal held the eighth meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Cooperation in the Power sector on 10 December 2020 virtually. The meeting generated positive and wide-ranging discussions that are expected to further boost the expansion of power sector cooperation between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
November 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $156 million concessional loan to modernize power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The Electricity Grid Modernization Project will increase the capacity and reach of power distribution networks, improve reliability of supply, and reduce losses. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 September 2020India's northeastern states are working to improve infrastructure and connectivity to help reduce the cost of transport and basic commodities. India's northeastern region is the country's gateway to East and Southeast Asia, and India is promoting transport and energy connectivity with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, explains Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Transport, Energy |
 August 2020The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank signed a loan and grant agreement that would help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2020Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, paid a visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to take forward cooperation on matters of mutual interest. His meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed India-Bangladesh connectivity and power projects, as well as India’s developmental assistance for Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Transport |
 August 2020The Governments of India and Nepal held the Eighth Meeting of the Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism on 17 August 2020. The virtual meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the projects being implemented under bilateral cooperation. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Transport |
 August 2020India and Nepal can enjoy considerable benefits from cross-border energy trade. This commentary discusses how developing a robust power trading ecosystem can have far-reaching environmental, institutional, and social benefits in India and Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
July 2020 The Government of Nepal gave the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) approval to sell electricity to Bangladesh and India. Approval of Nepal Cabinet allows NEA to fix the price on the basis of competition, according to a report on the Himalayan Times. NEA can engage in electricity trade when domestic production is high and/or when production is low. Read More Tags: Nepal, Electricity, Energy, Bangladesh, India |
June 2020 The Governments of Bhutan and India signed an agreement for the first joint venture hydropower project between the two countries. This agreement covers the construction of the 600-megawatt Kholongchhu hydropower project in Bhutan. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Energy, Bhutan, India |
June 2020 A new Asian Development Bank project will help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal through a concessional loan worth $200 million. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade through cross-border power exchange. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB, India |
March 2020 Mr. Barsha Man Pun, Nepal Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, urged Mr. Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, India Power Secretary, to accelerate power trade between India and Nepal. The Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) and the Nepal Electricity Authority has an existing power trade agreement. A go ahead from the Power Ministry of India will allow the CEA to carry out measures necessary to accelerate power trade with Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 February 2020Policymakers and experts have begun discussions on the creation of a regional power grid for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Cooperation, Energy, Nepal |
 November 2019The Asian Development Bank cohosted a forum to promote more women practitioners in South Asia’s energy sector. The forum is second in a series for Women in Power Sector Professional Network in South Asia, which aims to support women’s participation in energy projects and promote more women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Gender, South Asia |
 September 2019Bangladesh is in talks with Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal to import electricity to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy demand. This was according to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was speaking via videoconferencing at the inauguration of four power plants and eight substations in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
 September 2019The 69 kilometer Motihari (India)-Amlekhgunj (Nepal) pipeline, signed by India and Nepal in 2015, was jointly inaugurated by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on 10 September 2019. The project is South Asia's first cross-border pipeline for petroleum products. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 August 2019Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi have signed a power purchase agreement between PTC India Limited and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation Limited for the sale and purchase of electricity from the 720 megawatt Mangdechhu hydropower project. The two prime minister jointly inaugurated the hydropower plant during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Bhutan. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Bhutan, India, Energy |
 June 2019Nepal will welcome private and public sector investments from Bangladesh, said Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary, Nepal, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Ghimire. He said Nepal and Bangladesh are looking to boost trade and business with each other and should explore new areas of cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Hydropower, Investments, Nepal, Solar Energy |
 March 2019India said it would support Nepal’s energy sector as Nepal seeks to export energy to third countries, such as Bangladesh and Myanmar. The move will provide power producers in Nepal access to international markets for energy export. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
 December 2018Nepal and Bangladesh have agreed to build cross-border transmission lines between the two countries, to supply electricity generated in Nepal to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 October 2018The Simrutu River Small Hydropower Project, a micro-hydropower plant developed under the SASEC Program, is nearing completion in Rukum District, Nepal. The power plant will produce 200 kilowatts of electricity for rural communities and will be the largest hydropower project in the district once completed. The project is partially financed by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Nepal, SASEC |
 October 2018PTC India Limited and the Bangladesh Power Development Board signed two new power purchase agreements on 9 October 2018 to add 200 megawatts of power import from India to Bangladesh. The contracts, worth $1.8 billion, will be supplied to Bangladesh on a short- and long-term basis. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Trade |
 September 2018Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government
of India, and Mr. Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Industry, Commerce
and Supply, Government of Nepal, held a bilateral meeting to discuss
strengthening of energy and economic ties between the two countries. Both
ministers agreed to explore potential pipelines for LPG and LNG to supply fertilizer plants and industries in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy, LNG, LPG |
 September 2018The 15th Meeting of the Bangladesh-India Joint Steering Committee on Power Sector reviewed the existing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. Bangladesh plans to import an additional 340 megawatt electricity through the Surjomoni-Cumilla North Link, under government-to-government modality. The meeting also reviewed the proposal to set up a power transmission line that will enable Bangladesh to import electricity from Bhutan and Nepal through India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Transmission |
 August 2018Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli agreed to take Bangladesh-Nepal cooperation in the energy sector to the next level. Mr. Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Press Secretary, reported that the two Prime Ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in the power sector, and agreed on the need to sign a memorandum of understanding to enable power trade. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BIMSTEC, Energy |
 August 2018India’s GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower Ltd. is set to sign a power purchase agreement with the Bangladesh government to export electricity to be generated by the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project in Nepal. The agreement will serve as a guiding framework for Nepal for exporting surplus electricity to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy, Electricity |
 May 2018Bangladesh’s Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved a project to install a high-voltage direct-current back-to-back substation at Comilla in Bangladesh for importing 500 megawatts of electricity from Tripura, India. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Energy, India, SASEC, Trade, Rail, Transport |
 May 2018Dr. Yongping Zhai, Technical Advisor (Energy), Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Mr. David Elzinga, Senior Energy Specialist, ADB, advised the Government of Sri Lanka to keep their options open in securing the country's energy future. Reiterating ADB's support for Sri Lanka's energy security, Dr. Zhai urged the country to opt for renewables over coal to fast-track its commitment to the Paris agreement. Read More Tags: ADB, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Energy, Sri Lanka, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2018The Government of India signed an agreement to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Government of Japan. These were approved by the Government of Sri Lanka, along with an LNG project by the People's Republic of China. In total, the three LNG power plants will generate up to 1,400 megawatts. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Renewable Energy, Energy, LNG |
 April 2018The Government of Bangladesh's Cabinet Committee on Purchase approved a proposal to import 500 megawatts of electricity from India from June 2018 to May 2033 to help meet the country's energy demand. The Committee also cleared a proposal appointing Texmaco Rail and Engineering from India to build the dual gauge rail line from Akhaura to Agartala. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy, Rail, Transport, Transmission |
 March 2018Bangladesh's 'Look East Policy' and Thailand's 'Look West Policy' could be synchronized to create new trade and economic connectivity corridors, according to Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-chaon during a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. They discussed a range of bilateral cooperation, including shipping, trade, energy, and those under BIMSTEC. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Thailand, Shipping, Energy, Trade, Transport |
March 2018 As Bangladesh's economy expands, its demand for energy also increases. The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy projects that by 2030, the country's electricity demand will reach around 34,000 megawatts. In this commentary, Mr. Promod Rijal, senior economist at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies in Nepal, explains how transboundary energy trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through India will help Bangladesh meet its energy needs. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, BBIN |
 February 2018Eminent Persons Group including representatives from both India and Nepal exchanged the first draft reports on future India-Nepal relations during their seventh meeting in Kathmandu on 24 February 2018. It is likely that they will produce one joint final report during the next meeting in New Delhi that will be submitted to both governments before the group’s term expires in July. Read More Tags: Connectivity, India, Nepal, Cooperation, Energy, Hydropower |
 February 2018The 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bhutan and India is an occasion to reflect on further advancing ties between the two countries, said Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, India. India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and the two countries cooperate in the fields of transport and hydroelectric power. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Cooperation, Hydropower, Trade, Energy |
 February 2018Bangladesh's interest to harness Nepal's hydropower potential could be a win-win for both countries, with India playing the role of catalyst, shared Mr. Mostofa Sohrab Chowdhury, President, Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Bangladesh's projected additional energy demand is 21,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, while Nepal's untapped economically feasible hydropower potential is 42,000 MW. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Cooperation, Energy, Hydropower, Transmission |
 February 2018India will supply an additional 300 megawatts (MW) to Bangladesh through the state-run NTPC Ltd. This additional energy export will begin once the 500 MW high voltage direct current Bangladesh-India inter-connection is commissioned. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Energy |
 January 2018Rapid economic growth and increasing populations pose challenges to the South Asian region’s energy security. Increasing energy cooperation among South Asian countries will help ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the entire region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, BBIN, BIMSTEC, Energy, Regional Cooperation, Hydropower, SAARC |
January 2018 The Government of Bhutan is moving forward with Detailed Project Reports for pipeline hydropower projects in the country, including hydropower joint ventures with the Government of India. Bhutan aims to generate another 5,178 megawatts by 2025 from these pipeline projects, including the 1,125 MW Dorjilung project, 2,560 MW Sunkosh project, and 2,640 MW Kuri Gongri project. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy, Electricity, India |
 December 2017The SASEC Program ended 2017 on a high note, having launched the SASEC Vision, welcomed Myanmar as a full member of SASEC, invested almost $1 billion in three new projects during the year, and seen total program investment rise to $10.74 billion for 49 loan/grant projects. The SASEC Vision paved the way in 2017 for strengthened partnership and economic cooperation between the countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia, by leveraging opportunities and synergies found in natural resources. Read More Tags: SASEC, Myanmar, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Economic Corridor Development |
 December 2017In her keynote address at the dialogue on BiMSTEC at 20—Priorities for the Future, Ms. Grace Asirwatham, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, reflects on the prospects for connectivity and prosperity among BIMSTEC member countries and explores the organization's priorities, including trade, transport, energy, and climate change. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 December 2017The power purchase agreement between the Nepal Electricity Authority and the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam of India was extended by three months, from 1 January to end of March 2018. This allows Nepal to import up to 160 megawatts of electricity through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 December 2017An ADB-funded project is upgrading power lines and substations in 49 locations in Nepal to enhance the country’s electricity distribution system. The $191 million SASEC Power System Expansion Project aims to increase the load-bearing capacity of transmission lines in Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Energy, Nepal |
 November 2017In his keynote address at the ADB Regional Cooperation and Integration Week, ADB President Takehiko Nakao stated that regional cooperation is critical to securing Asia’s economic future. He noted ADB’s continued commitment to support regional cooperation as a means to reduce inequality and overcome infrastructure gaps, and cited specific SASEC projects as effective examples. The ADB Regional Cooperation and Integration Week was held on 27-29 November 2017, in Manila, Philippines. Read More Tags: ADB, ASEAN, Economic Corridor Development, Energy, Myanmar, Regional Cooperation, SASEC, Transport, World Bank, WTO |
 November 2017 |
 November 2017Experts at the launching of UNCTAD’s The Least Developed Countries Report 2017 urged the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen the country’s electrical system and address electricity governance and finance to ensure affordable power supply to homes and businesses. Despite significant improvements over the past decade, challenges remain, according to the Report. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, LDC, Nepal, Sustainable Development Goals, UNCTAD |
 November 2017Nepal has decided to join the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grid interconnection, a move meant to help facilitate trade in electricity and take full advantage of available energy sources. Nepal is expected to sign an MOU to join the grid interconnection at the Third BIMSTEC Energy Ministers' Meeting. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, BIMSTEC, Energy, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation |
 November 2017An Asian Development Bank report suggests that a shift in India’s electricity policy could help address the acute electricity shortages faced by SAARC countries, which affects socioeconomic development as well as business operations. Policy amendments could help facilitate cross-border power trade among SAARC countries and give communities better access to electricity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2017The Second Meeting of the SAARC Council of Experts of Energy Regulators (CEERE) on 24-25 October 2017 discussed a road map for implementation of the SAARC Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation (Electricity), issues on power trade, including harmonization of grid code, operating procedures for cross-border power trade, and harmonization of electricity laws. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Trade |
 October 2017Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, India, and Mr. Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Foreign Minister, Bangladesh, co-chaired the Fourth India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) Meeting, reviewing progress on key initiatives and decisions in areas including trade and investment, security, connectivity, border management, power, energy, shipping, and people-to-people exchange. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Energy, Hydropower, Trade, Investment |
 October 2017Mr. Abul Maal A. Muhith, Finance Minister, Bangladesh, and Mr. Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, India, signed the Third Line of Credit (LoC) from India to Bangladesh worth $4.5 billion, to be used for implementation of projects in connectivity. Mr. Jaitley lauded the outstanding relations between the two neighbors after a meeting with Mr. Muhith. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Connectivity, Energy, Rail, Shipping, Road, Ports |
 October 2017Mr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, India, met with Bhutan top leaders to discuss trade and economic ties, energy cooperation, and the implementation of India-assisted projects in Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower, India, Trade |
 September 2017The 13th Joint Steering Committee Meeting between Bangladesh and India, held on 27-28 September 2017 in New Delhi, India, reviewed Bangladesh-India power sector cooperation, and explored new areas and opportunities, including the possible 840 megawatt (MW) additional electricity import from India to Bangladesh, and planned Bangladesh hydropower imports from Nepal and Bhutan. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Hydropower, Energy, Nepal, Bhutan |
 August 2017The 18th session of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Senior Officials' Meeting and the 15th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting stressed the importance of cooperation in energy, technology, trade, and transport, through a revitalized, more integrated, and stronger BIMSTEC process. The Joint Statement underscored the need to finalize the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Agreement. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Nepal, Bangladesh, Regional Cooperation, Energy, Technology, Trade, Transport, Free Trade Agreement |
 July 2017The Government of Bangladesh and India's GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower Ltd. are now preparing to sign a power purchase agreement. GMR will be exporting 300 to 500 megawatts (MW) of energy generated by the Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project in Nepal via India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Energy |
 June 2017Mr. Prabir De, Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, discusses how the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregional grouping’s focus to bridge connectivity gaps is crucial to reducing poverty in the region. He highlights the pressing need to begin implementing comprehensive trade facilitation and connectivity measures in the BBIN subregion, and remarks how success of the BBIN initiative is important to move broader regional integration initiative Read More Tags: Connectivity, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2017The International Trade Centre's Trade Map reports an increase in intraregional trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion in 2016, from $21.65 billion in 2015 to $23.52 billion. The ratio of BBIN intraregional trade to world trade went up from 2.98% in 2015 to 3.34% in 2016. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Energy, Trade |
 June 2017The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, is preparing a study on energy trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion, examining how market forces, networks, and stakeholders interact. In this commentary, Mr. Aditya Valiathan Pillai, program officer of the Asia Foundation in India, discusses the creation of an energy market in South Asia and the growing importance of regional electricity trade in helping mitigate carbon emissions. Read More Tags: South Asia, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2017Economic transformations have accelerated regional cooperation and integration in Asia. In this ADB blog post, Mr. Cuong Minh Nguyen, Principal Regional Integration Specialist, Southeast Asia Department, ADB, discusses six paradigm shifts that are reshaping economic prospects in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and other parts of the region. It also highlights the need for governments to work together to build a socially inclusive, environmentally friendly, and economically sustainable region. Read More Tags: ASEAN, SAARC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2017India's Ministry of Power is preparing a set of guidelines for cross-border trade of electricity, with draft regulations from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. This will regulate cross-border energy trade between India and Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, by creating a uniform framework. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal |
 May 2017 |
 May 2017Finance ministers and senior officials of member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka met on 5 May at Yokohama, Japan, at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 50th Annual General Meeting. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Asia, Climate Change, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, Policy, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 April 2017SASEC Powering Asia in the 21st Century defines the SASEC Vision, setting the SASEC partnership on a path to help transform the subregion into Asia's powerhouse in the 21st century. The Vision steps up cooperation among SASEC member countries, guiding them how to transform transport corridors into industrial and economic corridors, and promoting sustainable economic growth by generating synergies among SASEC member countries. Read More Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 April 2017India's Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ratification of the MOU for the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection. The MOU is expected to be signed at the next BIMSTEC Energy Minsters' Meeting and provides a broad framework for energy trade among BIMSTEC member countries. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Connectivity, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
 April 2017Bangladesh has the potential to become a transport hub for India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myamar, according to Mr. AMA Muhith, Finance Minister, Bangladesh. Turning Bangladesh into a regional and transshipment hub would enhance economic cooperation and result in collective economic growth for the countries, Mr. Muhith said at the SASEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic Corridor Development, Energy, ICT, India, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, SASEC, South Asia, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Regional Cooperation |
 February 2017ADB has allocated $843.8 million for Nepal for 2017-2019. An additional $356 million can be made available over the period for projects contributing to regional cooperation and integration and reduction of disaster risks, provided that Nepal continues to improve performance of its ongoing projects, according to Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Regional Cooperation, Infrastructure, Energy |
 February 2017The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to assist Bangladesh in its efforts to improve transport and energy connectivity. Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB, affirmed that ADB will continue to support Bangladesh in its goal of becoming a developed country by 2041, as well as in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and minimizing climate change impact. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Cooperation, Development, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Energy, Investment, Nepal |
 February 2017The Governments of India and Nepal discussed how to bring transmission line projects—the Dhalkebar (Nepal)-Muzaffarpur (India) transmission line, Raxaul (India)-Parwanipur (Nepal) transmission line, and Kataiya (India)-Kushaha (Nepal) transmission line—into operation. They agreed to increase the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line to 220 kVa capacity in May 2017, and begin electricity import through the Raxaul-Parwanipur and Kataiya-Kushaha transmission line. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Transmission, Hydropower, Trade, Electricity |
 February 2017Hydropower cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal could be a viable option for addressing growing power needs in the region, said Mr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, Brac University, Bangladesh. Nepal’s hydropower potential stands at 83,000 megawatts (MW), while Bhutan’s is at 40,000 MW and northeast India’s at 60,000 MW. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Energy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2017The second meeting of the Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism, held on 30 January 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal, reviewed progress of India-funded economic and development projects in Nepal, and agreed to expedite implementation of these projects for timely completion. Projects discussed included cross-border railways, integrated check posts, and cross-border transmission lines. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Hydropower, Infrastructure, Transport, Energy |
 January 2017The Integrated Research and Action for Development initiative has launched the analytical study “Economic Benefits from Nepal-India Electricity Trade,” confirming that a large economically feasible electricity export potential exists. Electricity trade can help boost Nepal's economy and improve the well-being of its people, and offers India an affordable and convenient renewable resource to meet demand. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
 January 2017Nepal has upgraded the Thame Khola Small Hydropower Plant in Namche VDC, Solukhumbu District, raising the plant’s capacity from 630 kilowatts (kW) to 930 kW. India provided assistance of $54,500 for the upgrade. The facility supplies power to the upper Khumbu valley, including 18 villages of Khumjung and Namche VDC. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
 December 2016Least Developed Countries (LDCs) comprise around 880 million people yet account for less than 2% of the world gross domestic product. South Asian countries can accelerate economic development and graduate from the LDC category by working with each other. The economic future of their people could change radically through collaboration between the countries and lift millions of people out of poverty. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade, UNCTAD |
 December 2016Nepal’s hydropower potential could be realized with an efficient technological base, entrepreneurial vision, a coordinated power trading approach, and sustained investment commitment. Hydropower development would bring economic, social, and environmental benefits in Nepal and the rest of the South Asian region. In this speech delivered at the Power Summit, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal vowed to support domestic and foreign investors through a policy encouraging investment. Read More Tags: Development, Energy, Hydropower, India, Investment, Nepal, Private Sector, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $20 million for the SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal, to be provided by the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. This additional financing will support installation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems by 2018. The Government of Nepal is also providing complementary funding of $24.5 million. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Trade, Hydropower, ADB, SASEC, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Solar Energy, India |
 December 2016India's Ministry of Power has issued Guidelines on Cross-Border Trade of Electricity, with the aim of facilitating cross-border trade of electricity between India and its neighboring countries; promoting transparency, consistency and predictability in regulatory approaches across jurisdictions and minimizing perceptions of regulatory risk; and developing reliable grid operation and transmission of electricity across borders. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Hydropower, SAARC, Trade |
 December 2016The SASEC project portfolio has surpassed the $9 billion mark with the December 2016 approval of Nepal’s SASEC Roads Improvement Project, worth $256.5 million. There are now 44 SASEC investment projects worth a cumulative $9.13 billion. During 2016, seven projects have been approved for a total of $2.37 billion. Read More Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Roads, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, ICT, Rail, Economic corridor, Connectivity |
 November 2016Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali highlighted the potential joint development of hydropower projects between Bangladesh and Bhutan during discussions with Bhutan Ambassador to Bangladesh Sonam Tobden Rabgye. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy, BBIN |
 November 2016In a meeting with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mr. Kazi M. Azul Islam, Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, promised CII delegates that Bangladesh will work toward improving the country’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to encourage more investors from India. Bangladesh has set a five-year target to improve its ease of doing business. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Ease of Doing Business, Investment, Energy, Infrastructure, Bilateral Trade |
 November 2016The SASEC Operational Plan, which aligns and brings together all SASEC sectoral strategies, was launched in Kathmandu, Nepal. With 37 of the 200 planned projects set to be implemented in Nepal, the Government’s policy reform efforts to integrate with global markets is set to receive a significant boost. Read More Tags: Nepal, SASEC Operational Plan, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 October 2016Mr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India, called on Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena to discuss potential partnerships between India and Sri Lanka in sectors including energy, infrastructure, and transport, and Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to further discuss boosting bilateral trade and investment. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Energy, Infrastructure, Transport |
 October 2016A high-level panel formed by the Governments of India and Nepal will work to address bottlenecks in infrastructure projects in Nepal funded by the Government of India—including hydropower projects, roads and railways—to ensure their timely completion. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport, Energy |
 October 2016South Asian countries should engage more in regional energy trade and joint management of resources. By doing so, they could save over $9 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 8%. And since energy drives development, energy cooperation and trade is expected to translate to improved standards of living and poverty reduction. Read More Tags: Energy, Hydropower, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 October 2016The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to undertake joint investments in hydropower plants in Nepal, to generate electricity, including energy exports to Bangladesh. The two countries signed a deal to set up two hydropower plants capable of generating 1,500 megawatts. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 September 2016A 'Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Hydropower' forum in Kathmandu, Nepal stressed the need for more FDI in hydropower projects. According to Nepal Minister for Energy Janardan Sharma, Nepal needs more investment to be able to fully harness its hydropower capacity. The Power Trade Agreement signed by Nepal and India promises a huge market for Nepal's hydroelectricity. Read More Tags: Nepal, Investment, Hydropower, Energy, India, Exports |
 September 2016Finance Ministers from the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states are pushing for the formation of a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) to ensure larger inflow of investments, higher trade volumes, and energy generation. The ministers highlighted the need to fast-track the formation of the SAEU to help boost the inflow of investments and trade volumes. Read More Tags: SAEU, SAARC, Trade, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal |
August 2016 The Parliament of Nepal has endorsed the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation, enabling the 8 SAARC member countries to conduct cross-border electricity trade. Under the Agreement, SAARC member states have agreed to provide non-discriminatory access to the regional transmission grids. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, SAARC |
 August 2016Preparations to sign a power trade agreement between the Governments of Nepal and Bangladesh are underway, with the Energy Ministry of Nepal finalizing a draft memorandum of understanding on Nepal-Bangladesh energy cooperation. The draft outlines protocols for conducting energy trade between the two countries, in line with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, SAARC |
 July 2016South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) investment projects increased to a cumulative $7.66 billion in the areas of transport, energy, trade facilitation, and ICT with the recent approval of India’s Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project. To date, 40 SASEC-supported projects are helping member countries strengthen regional connectivity infrastructure, promote economic growth, and foster regional cooperation. In addition, there are now 71 technical assistance projects worth $66.14 mi Read More Tags: SASEC, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, South Asia, ADB, ICT, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Economic Corridor Development |
 July 2016The 24th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) endorsed the "National Energy Demand and Supply Study," which was undertaken to address the issue of latent demand and come up with a more realistic demand forecast for energy. According to the study, Nepal's energy demand will reach around 10,000 megawatts by 2030. Electricity will also have a dominant share of energy in Nepali households. Read More Tags: Energy, Trade, Nepal |
 July 2016Mr. Hun Kim, Director General, South Asia Department, ADB, describes how partnership of 6 South Asian countries through the ADB-supported South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program is helping propel economic growth in South Asia, amidst an uncertain regional and global economic climate, by working to increase trade volumes to reduce the number of impoverished people in the region. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, South Asia, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 July 2016The Governments of Bangladesh and India are working on plans to expand the regional energy market by doubling the capacities of cross-border power transmission interconnections, and setting up a third cross-border energy grid. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 June 2016The interactive SASEC Corridor Map on the SASEC Program website and SASEC Mobile App is your gateway to SASEC projects. View projects by sector—energy, transport, trade facilitation, and ICT—or by corridor using the interactive map, to learn how the SASEC program is helping promote regional prosperity in South Asia. The map also includes project information and links to SASEC project pages. Read More Tags: SASEC, Economic corridor, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives |
 June 2016Regional trade in power could save India from having to invest in 35,000 megawatts in coal-fire facilities, estimated at $26 billion, over the next 25 years. Through energy trade with Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Nepal, India could benefit from reduced fuel costs and a 6.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Regional Cooperation, Renewable Energy |
 June 2016Greatly increased energy consumption is powering economic transformation in Asia and the Pacific, but also contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The devastating effects of climate change are already being felt in the region. In this speech delivered at the Pacific Energy Summit on 24 June 2016 in Singapore, Bambang Susantono, Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank, looks at the challenges faced by Asia’s growing economies a Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Climate Change, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2016The 2-day Nepal Power Investment Summit 2016 concluded with a declaration that Nepal needs $20 billion to develop 10,000 megawatts through on-grid hydropower projects in the next decade. It also noted investment needs of $5 billion for high-voltage transmission projects and other opportunities in the country's hydropower sector. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2016Nepal has forwarded a proposal to set up an India-Nepal energy bank that would help both countries address the problem of power shortage at a meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Standing Committee. The energy bank would enable Nepal to export electricity to India during summer and import electricity from India during winter. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2016Bangladesh is reviewing targets for its renewable energy program to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh said the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority aims to increase share of energy coming from renewable resources. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Renewable Energy |
 May 2016The India-Myanmar Business Conclave met recently as part of a push for stronger economic ties between the two countries. At a conference on 18-20 May in Yangon, Myanmar, business leaders discussed partnerships as well as opportunities for future cooperation. Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Commerce & Industry of India, spoke on forging partnerships, highlighting India’s opening of 96.4% of tariff lines at zero duty for Myanmar. Read More Tags: Myanmar, India, Trade, Energy, ICT |
 May 2016Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and Bhutan Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji discussed hydropower in a meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan: Bangladesh plans to invest in the 1,125 megawatt Dorjilung hydropower project. Trilateral cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, and India would enable Bangladesh's investment in Bhutan's hydropower sector. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2016India is planning to develop regional connectivity projects worth around $5 billion under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported SASEC Program, according to Mr. Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, India. These initiatives include two priority road corridors that will boost connectivity with its neighbors in South and Southeast Asia and complementary integrated check posts and land Customs stations. India and ADB will also work together to develop the East Coast Econom Read More Tags: India, Economic corridor, Energy, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2016Version 2.0 of the SASEC Program Mobile App is now available for download. With improved user interface and layout, updated offline data, faster caching, and smaller app size, the updated SASEC Program Mobile App is lighter, quicker, and more user friendly. Read More Tags: Knowledge Product, SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport |
 April 2016The contract for civil and hydro-mechanical works of the Nikachhu Hydro Energy Project has been awarded to the Hindustan Construction Company Limited, in an international bidding held by Tangsibji Hydro Energy Limited. Works under the commissioned contract, worth around $69 million, are scheduled to start as early as July 2016. The 118 megawatt Nikachhu hydropower plant aims to become another model hydropower development in Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower |
 April 2016Bangladesh plans to import 2,000 megawatts of electricity from India in the coming years, according to Bangladesh State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid in his address at the 'Power Market Development in India: Key Lessons Learnt' workshop. He highlighted the country's ongoing regional power trade with India and plans for its expansion, and urged the Government of India to step forward in the planned hydropower project with Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 April 2016The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will create a 'central-level safeguard unit' to focus on preparation of the ADB-supported SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal. The unit will comprise a team of professionals and experts, who will coordinate project issues at the local level, including land acquisition, forest clearance, and right of way. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 April 2016The Jigme Wangchuck Power Training Institute in Gelephu, Bhutan is preparing to meet the human resource requirements of the country’s hydropower sector in the next four years. According to estimates by the Druk Green Power Corporation and Bhutan Power Corporation, the country’s hydropower sector will need at least 6,500 people to achieve its vision of generating 10,000 megawatts by 2020. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Hydropower, Services, Energy |
 April 2016Mr. Pradeep Kumar Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Power, India, ensured continuous demand for hydropower in the Indian grid, during his visit to Bhutan to review ongoing joint hydropower ventures. The Government of India plans to triple its power generation capacity to 800 gigawatts by 2030, using renewable energy sources. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Energy, Bhutan, India |
 March 2016Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank, discussed ways to accelerate Nepal's economic structural transformation with policy makers, scholars, and Government officials in “Envisioning Nepal 2030”, an international seminar jointly organized by the National Planning Commission and ADB. In his address, he discussed how regional cooperation and integration could turn Nepal from a landlocked to a land-connected country. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Airports, Hydropower, LLDC |
 March 2016Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the inauguration of an additional 100 megawatt electricity supply from India's Tripura state to Bangladesh's Comilla state, and the leasing of 10 GBPS of internet bandwidth from Bangladesh to India's Agartala state on 23 March 2016. Both Prime Ministers lauded Bangladesh-India cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, ICT, Energy, BBIN |
 March 2016India Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar discussed initiatives being pursued by India in line with its 'neighborhood first' policy, in his address at the 42nd Standing Committee Meeting of SAARC. He also emphasized the need to implement the South Asia Economic Union, and sign the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement and SAARC Railways Agreement. Read More Tags: India, South Asian Economic Union, SAARC, Transport, Energy |
 March 2016Mr. Nasrul Hamid, Bangladesh State Minister for Power and Energy, discussed the possibility of enhancing the scope of Bangladesh-India cross-border energy transmission to include Bhutan in a meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Bangladesh is mulling a $1 billion investment in Bhutan's hydropower industry, and is reviewing a draft MoU for possible electricity imports from Bhutan. Read More Tags: Energy, Hydropower, Bangladesh |
 March 2016The need to ramp up cooperation in energy between Bangladesh and Nepal was discussed by Bangladesh Minister for Information Hasanul Haq Inu at an interaction organized by the Nepal Reporters’ Club. According to the Minister, Bangladesh has already forwarded a proposal for transmission of energy from Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 February 2016The Second Meeting of the SAARC Energy Regulators agreed to address regulatory barriers through a Regional Regulatory Body, which will work toward harmonizing legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks to promote wider availability of electricity and boost cross-border trade in the region. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Trade, Sri Lanka |
 February 2016The 9th Session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission discussed strengthening India-Sri Lanka cooperation in areas including energy and trade. The two countries are also preparing to open negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement. Further possible collaboration in railway development and renewable energy was also bookmarked by the Joint Commission. Read More Tags: India, Sri Lanka, Energy, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2016A 2-day meeting of the Joint Working Committee and Joint Steering Committee on India-Nepal Cooperation in the Power Sector discussed the implementation of the power trade agreement (PTA) signed in September 2014. The Meeting agreed that India will supply Nepal with 300 megawatt of electricity in the next 18 months, and reviewed plans for long-term energy trade, including the proposed 6 cross-border power corridors. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal |
 January 2016The third meeting of the Joint Working Group on Subregional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Connectivity and Transit and Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower deliberated new initiatives for deepening cooperation. Discussion centered around progress made under the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and the proposed BBIN Rail Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2016Construction was completed in December 2015 of the 47-kilometer transmission line from India's western Tripura to Bangladesh's southern Comilla and is ready to start supplying 100 megawatt of power from India to Bangladesh. In January 2016, a meeting between Bangladesh and India fixed the tariff for the electricity supply and formal approval will start the flow of power. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 January 2016Strengthening of regional cooperation and integration (RCI) remains a priority of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to its Bangladesh Country Operations Business Plan for 2016–2018. In the energy sector, ADB will continue to expand access to and make Bangladesh's power supply more reliable. In the transport sector, ADB will further promote safe, reliable, and fully integrated transport systems that move people and goods more efficiently within the country and across the region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Asian Highway, Energy, Transport |
 December 2015Several key SASEC events during 2015 helped the six member countries promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border connectivity, boosting trade among member countries, and strengthening regional economic cooperation. Here's a review of some of the major events in 2015. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Bangladesh's development partner representatives participated in deliberations held at the Bangladesh Development Forum 2015, which shared the country’s needs for infrastructure development. Recommendations to help facilitate growth include good regional connectivity, quality infrastructure development, and increasing participation from the private sector. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Wencai Zhang pledged ADB's continuous support for Bangladesh's efforts on regional cooperation and integration in a meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He highlighted concrete results of Bangladesh's participation in regional cooperation, and discussed ADB plans to support Bangladesh's transformational infrastructure development. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Several initiatives to improve Bangladesh's connectivity with India's North East region are in the pipeline, to increase people-to-people contact and cross-border business. These include revamping trade infrastructures to connect border points, and expanding Bangladesh's diplomatic and consular presence in India's North East region. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Trade, Transport, Energy |
 November 2015Bhutan Economic Affairs Minister Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the possibility of exporting hydropower from Bhutan to Bangladesh. According to Minister Wangchuk, Bhutan is interested to supply hydropower to Bangladesh at the lowest possible cost to help meet the country's growing demand for electricity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy |
 November 2015Bhutan’s Tangsibji Hydro Energy Limited (ThyE) and the State Bank of India (SBI) and EXIM signed a financial agreement costing around $53.5 million for the 118 megawatt Nikachhu hydropower plant. Power generated through the project will boost renewable energy generation in Bhutan, and further expand cross-border power trading in the region. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Private Sector |
 October 2015Many people in South Asia still lack access to modern energy services. When these 'energy poor' turn to solid fuel alternatives, they are exposed to high levels of pollution. A commentary on how member countries of SAARC can combat energy poverty and mitigate climate change is shared. Read More Tags: Energy |
 October 2015A 2-day international conference on energy organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies emphasized the need for regional and subregional cooperation to fulfill growing energy needs in South Asia and promote energy security. Former Power Secretary of India, Mr. RV Shahi, underscored how recent efforts in energy cooperation have already started yielding results in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion. Read More Tags: Energy, SAARC, BBIN |
 October 2015Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sri Lanka High Commissioner Yasoja Gunasekera discussed a possible scope of cooperation during a courtesy call paid by the High Commissioner to the Prime Minister in October. Prime Minister Hasina encouraged more Sri Lankan investments and joint ventures in Bangladesh's 22 special economic zones. Bangladesh is also considering introducing a sea route to Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Trade, Energy, Transport |
 October 2015The Second SASEC Bangladesh-India Electrical Grid Interconnection Project will help boost the import of electricity from India to Bangladesh by doubling the capacity of the existing interconnection system. The project is expected to be completed by June 2018. The Asian Development Bank is providing $120 million loan financing; the Government of Bangladesh is allocating $63 million. Read More Tags: Energy, Bangladesh, India |
 September 2015The Power Grid Corporation of India began power transmission along its first "Power Transmission Express Highway". With a 6,000-megawatt capacity, this power corridor connects the northern states with the North Eastern Region, and will help both manage the supply of large-scale hydropower and connect power transactions done with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal |
 September 2015Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay promotedpartnerships as a way to help landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) become land-linked to global opportunities, saying it is possible to ensure a country is not landlocked economically with its neighbors' full trust and confidence. The Prime Minister was attending a high-level forum for landlocked developing countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Read More Tags: Bhutan, LLDC, Nepal, Energy, India, Trade Facilitation |
 September 2015An ADB study has measured the economic and reliability benefits of cross-border electricity trading for countries in South Asia. Findings reveal that power trading in South Asia can not only serve the region's growing demand for energy but also save the region billions of dollars. Recommendations include a market-driven process for cross-border power trading implemented under a regulatory framework across the region. Read More Tags: Energy, SAARC, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2015A Cabinet Committee Meeting on Public Purchase of the Government of Bangladesh approved four proposals for ongoing infrastructure projects, including contract awarding upgrade of a 70-kilometer long section of the Dhaka-Northwest corridor from two to four lanes. This road enhancement is being financed under the Bangladesh SASEC Road Connectivity Project. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Transport, Energy |
 July 2015A conference organized by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, concluded with the Paro Declaration on 25 July 2015 in Bhutan. The Declaration called for free trading of energy-related materials, products, and equipment; freedom of energy transit through pipelines and grids in the region; and urged protection and promotion of foreign investment in energy and an extension of most-favored nation treatment. Read More Tags: Energy, SAARC CCI, Hydropower |
 July 2015The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has set three conditions for the $120 million loan that will finance expansion of the Bangladesh-India Electrical Grid Interconnection Project: public notification of tariff regulations, issuing bids for power purchase from India, and written confirmation from the power grid corporation of India for transmission of an additional 500 megawatt of electricity to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, India |
 July 2015The certificate of incorporation for the 660 megawatt Kholongchu Hydropower Project (KHP) was formally handed over to Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation and India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. Officials of KHP expect construction of about 40 kilometers of road leading to the project site to soon commence. KHP is the first joint venture between Bhutan and India. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Hydropower, Energy |
 May 2015The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to install solar lights in remote districts where power distribution was severely damaged by the earthquake. Solar power can provide a temporary solution while NEA repairs its distribution channels. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 May 2015A loan and grant financing agreement was signed by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Asian Development Bank on 4 May 2015 to develop the 118 megawatt Nikachhu hydropower plant. This project will promote regional energy trade between Bhutan and India, and help Bhutan meet its growing demands for electricity. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy |
 April 2015The Government of Bangladesh gave the go signal for two energy projects that will boost the country's capacity to import electricity from India. The two projects, roughly amounting to $204.6 million, will allow the country to import 600 megawatt electricity by boosting the country's transmission capacity and establishing a substation. Regional grid connectivity demonstrates the substantial benefits that come from enhanced regional cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 March 2015Senior officials of BIMSTEC countries have finalized a draft deal to set up grid connectivity, allowing its seven member countries to share their surplus electricity with each other. The draft deal came out of the 5th Meeting of the BIMSTEC Task Force on Trans-Power Exchange, and provides a broad framework for grid interconnections across the region. It is estimated that the seven BIMSTEC countries have a combined hydropower potential of about 290,000 MW. Read More Tags: Energy, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation |
 March 2015The 126 megawatt (MW) Dagachhu hydropower plant is now fully commissioned, with the successful run of the second 63MW unit test on 15 March 2015. As a joint venture between Druk Green Power Corporation of Bhutan and the Tata Power Company Limited of India, it has a 25-year power purchase agreement to export power from Bhutan to India. The Asian Development Bank, under the SASEC program, funded its construction through the Green Power Development Project. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, India |
 March 2015New Delhi has facilitated an integrated power grid for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states to begin cross-border trading on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). The IEX, an automated power-trading exchange, plans to trade 120MW with Bhutan, and 50MW each with Bangladesh and Nepal. This four-nation power trading will hasten the implementation of the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation signed in Kathmandu last year. Read More Tags: India, Energy, SAARC |
 February 2015Commissioning of the first unit of the 126 Megawatt (MW) Dagachhu Hydroelectric Project (DHP) officially began at 15:25 on 21 February 2015 with commercial generation of energy from Bhutan to India, coinciding with the 35th birthday of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Generating capacity during peak season can rise to a maximum of 63 MW. The Green Power Development Project under the SASEC program funded its construction. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy |
 February 2015The Nepal Electricity Authority plans to reduce current system loss to 10% by 2020 through several technical and non-technical measures, including unbundling of development and operation of electricity transmission lines. NEA's total energy generation loss in 2013-2014 stood at 25%. It is currently implementing the Energy Access and Efficiency Improvement Project under the SASEC program. Read More Tags: Energy, Hydropower, Nepal |
 February 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on 3 February 2015 during a visit to Nepal, and met with Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat and National Planning Commission Vice Chairperson Govinda Pokharel. ADB plans to provide about $1 billion in concessional loans and about $13 million in technical assistance grants to Nepal over the next three years to support faster and more inclusive growth in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2015Asian Development Bank Chief Economist Shang Jin-Wei has put Bangladesh’s potential to grow at 7.3%, above its current average of 6%. Despite its vast infrastructure needs, this makes Bangladesh one of the top 20 global performers in economic expansion. To continue this level of growth, it needs a reliable supply of power to reduce the cost of doing business. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 January 2015The World Bank report “Global Economic Prospects: Having Fiscal Space and Using It,” has set Bhutan's economic growth at 7.9% for the current fiscal year—1.1% higher than the Government's target of 6.8%. Propelling growth, according to the report, is completion of Dagachhu hydropower project. It also estimated growth in South Asia rebounded to an estimated 5.5% in 2014. Read More Tags: Bhutan, GDP, Energy, Hydropower |
 January 2015Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay told investors at the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit that Bhutan is open to clean, green and sustainable business proposals, including investments in renewable energy and hydropower. He also emphasized that Bhutan gives more value to gross national happiness, and extended an invitation among those interested in doing value-based business to invest in Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, FDI, Hydropower, Energy |
 December 2014The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved financing support to develop the Nikachhu hydropower plant—a run-of-the-river hydropower plant—in central Bhutan totaling $120.5 million in a package of loans and grants, through a public-private partnership. Power generated through the project will boost renewable energy generation in Bhutan, and further expand cross-border power trading in the region. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower, Loan |
 December 2014The Asian Development Bank, along with other bilateral donors, will fund US$4.5 billion worth of infrastructure and energy-related projects in Bangladesh. The Economic Relations Division of the Bangladesh Ministry of Finance is seeking funding from ADB for four projects, including upgradation of Bheramara HVDC station to import additional 500MW power from India. Read More Tags: Infrastructure, Energy, Bangladesh |
 November 2014The 18th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit concluded on 27 November 2014, adopting the 36-point Kathmandu Declaration, which emphasized enhanced infrastructure connectivity, creation of free trade, implementation of trade facilitation measures, and SAARC project implementation, among others. The Summit launched regional and sub-regional development projects in the agreed areas of cooperation and connectivity. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 November 2014A co-financing agreement for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power System Expansion Project was signed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14 November 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The project will improve access to energy in Nepal by increasing electricity access. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 November 2014The Government of Nepal has allocated portions of the $1 billion line of credit from India to infrastructure projects boosting energy trade and transport connectivity between the two countries. The Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project will receive around half of the credit; bridges enhancing connectivity of Nepal's western border with India are also planned. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Nepal |
 November 2014The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program has released a mobile app now available for download. This free app is your one-stop shop for the latest information on SASEC Program projects, news, events, and other knowledge products. Read More Tags: Connectivity, Energy, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 October 2014Nepal and India have formally signed a historic Power Trade Agreement (PTA) which paves the way for free trade of power between the two neighboring countries. The signing took place at Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala's office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu, Nepal on 21 October 2014, with Nepal Energy Secretary Rajendra Kishore Kshatri and India Power Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha in attendance. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 October 2014The Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Program will finance key infrastructure projects worth $492 million under its country operations business plan: the second Bangladesh-India electrical grid interconnection ($105 million), Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar railway link ($217 million), and road and trade facilitation ($170 million). Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Regional Cooperation, Energy, Trade Facilitation |
 October 2014Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty paid a 3-day visit to India's state of Tripura in October to meet ministers and top officials and review progress made in several India-Bangladesh infrastructure projects. Following his meeting with Power Minister Mr. Manik Dey, Chakravorty revealed that India has initiated steps to ensure 100 megawatt of power will be supplied to Bangladesh from Tripura's Palatana power plant. Read More Tags: Energy, Bangladesh, India |
 October 2014The Royal Government of Bhutan's target to bring “Electricity for All” is picking up pace. The rural electrification project, which began in 2013 with the initial goal of bringing electricity to 40,257 households, had already connected 40,300 households to the national power grid by August 2014. In response to popular demand, the Government has now set a deadline for every home in Bhutan to receive electricity supply by end 2014. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, ADB |
 September 2014The Government of Nepal signed the Framework Agreement for Energy+ Cooperation with the Government of Norway, the Government of Denmark, the Asian Development Bank and United Nations Development Program to contribute toward the actual implementation of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL). Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Renewable Energy |
 September 2014Following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala during Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Kathmandu in August, a project that has waited in the pipeline for 17 years saw new developments. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Hydropower, Nepal |
 September 2014The Asian Development Bank held a Regional Energy Trade Workshop at its headquarters in Manila, Philippines on September 8-9, 2014. Mr. Bindu Lohani, ADB Vice President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, delivered the welcoming remarks. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, SAARC, Regional Cooperation |
 September 2014Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay visited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 5 September 2014 to thank the organization for contributing to Bhutan’s development throughout its 30-year partnership. He spoke to the Board of Directors, ADB staff, and the Bhutanese community as part of ADB’s Eminent Speaker Forum, “Bhutan’s Economic Vision: Prosperity for All” and launched the book, “20th by 2020: Bhutan Drive for Improved Governance”. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Transport, Energy |
 September 2014Nepal and India signed a landmark preliminary Power Trade Agreement (PTA) on 4 September 2014, around two weeks ahead of the deadline set by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This PTA paves the way for bilateral trade of electricity between the two countries, and is foreseen to boost their energy security, as well as bring in added revenues to Nepal's economy. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal |
 August 2014Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao expressed full support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of greater regional integration and connectivity at a meeting on August 27 during a 2-day visit to India. Strengthening ties with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries is a focus of Prime Minister Modi's government. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, India, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2014The Eighth Meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Energy Working Group was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 25-26 August 2014 to discuss regional energy cooperation in South Asia. The meeting requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide technical assistance in the conduct of a regional transmission master plan study, including a detailed scenario on regional power transmission interconnections. Read More Tags: SAARC, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 August 2014Bhutan Prime Minister Mr. Tshering Tobgay and Ms. Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice-President (VP) for Private Sector and Cofinancing Operations, discussed new prospects for mutually inclusive growth, including renewable energy, at a meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan on 21 August 2014. VP Venkatachalam assured Prime Minister Tobgay of ADB's continued support to Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Sustainability |
 August 2014Economic dynamism in the Asia-Pacific region has been driven primarily by individual economies, yet to ensure sustainable growth in the future, countries must integrate and cooperate to share prosperity, according to the 2014edition of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, Poverty Reduction, UNESCAP, Asia-Pacific, Energy, Connectivity, ICT, LDC, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
 August 2014Climate change alters the dynamic of energy security in South Asia with electricity demand projected to grow fourfold by 2030. Climate change adaptation and variability in the region renders most countries vulnerable. Access to energy services affects practically all aspects of sustainable development. Read More Tags: South Asia, Energy, Climate Change |
 August 2014Asian Development Bank Vice President Mr. Wencai Zhang met with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Sushil Koirala on 17 August 2014, and assured him of ADB's commitment to help Nepal achieve its vision of graduating from least-developed country status by 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB |
 August 2014Mr. Gautam Bambawale, recently appointed Ambassador of India to Bhutan, visited Chhukha Hydropower Plant-the first joint project between India and Bhutan-during his first two weeks in office. Power trade between Bhutan and India is one of the many areas of cooperation between the two countries. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, India |
 August 2014After striking a similar deal in India, Nepal is set to sign a power trade agreement with Bangladesh. A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be vetted by Nepal and presented during the power sector cooperation meeting in December, after the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation summit. Hydropower produced in Nepal through power sector cooperation, would be exported to Bangladesh through India's power corridor. Read More Tags: Nepal, Bangladesh, Energy, India |
 August 2014Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to Kathmandu, Nepal on 3-4 August 2014, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years. At a speech delivered to the Parliament of Nepal, Modi announced India’s desire to help Nepal and offered an additional soft loan of US $1 billion for energy projects and infrastructure development. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Transport |
 July 2014ADB Board of Directors approved Bhutan’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2014-2018 to support the country's 11th Five-Year Plan (2013-2018) that focuses on self-reliance and inclusive, green socioeconomic development. Bhutan seeks a more inclusive strategy to broaden its economic base. The new CPS reflects ADB's three strategic pillars of inclusive growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional cooperation and integration. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Economy, Energy |
 July 2014 |
 July 2014The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of $180 million to Nepal for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power System Expansion Project to help Nepal address its urgent power needs. Two government agencies of Nepal are involved in the project – Nepal Electricity Authority to upgrade transmission and distribution lines, and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to provide electricity to remote rural areas. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 June 2014Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has installed its first wind-solar hybrid system in Dhaubadi village of Nawalparasi district, with Asian Development Bank support. The clean energy approach of this successful pilot project, already providing energy services to 46 rural households, can be replicated under a proposed SASEC power system expansion project. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Poverty Reduction, ADB, SASEC |
 April 2014South Asia’s tremendous growth is leading to large infrastructure gaps that need to be addressed. According to a new report, “Reducing Poverty by Closing South Asia’s Infrastructure”, closing the gap of South Asia’s development goals and its capability to attain these goals needs a $2.5 trillion investment over the next decade. Read More Tags: Infrastructure, Transport, Energy |
 February 2014The Asian Development Bank has approved technical assistance of $500,000 for SASEC member countries to develop a comprehensive long-term regional transmission master plan for the region to more effectively coordinate power generation and transmission. The project aims to improve the planning and coordination capacity of SASEC countries to foster cross-border power trading. Read More Tags: Energy, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 November 2012The SASEC energy working group agreed to conduct feasibility studies for three new priority large-scale cross-border transmission projects worth over $3 billion at a meeting on 9 November 2012 in Thimphu Bhutan. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Investment, SASEC, South Asia |
 October 2012 |
 May 2012 |
