It has been proposed to reduce the interest rate of the loan taken from China and extend the repayment period, said Finance and Trade Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.
He told reporters after meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Canadian High Commissioner Lily Nichols at the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 20).
Dr. Salehuddin said, we have spoken with two ambassadors. We will continue what we started, economic matters. I will try to implement their projects. Requested them to continue their technical support, financial support. They assured us they would do more than they usually do. They may have some issues, we will quickly identify them. We won’t take time. They say they used to leave it for a long time. We said we would see to it. The money that will come in the future should be used properly for the welfare of people. It should be used on time and the quality should not be compromised in any way.
This adviser says there is a problem. The previous government created some problems. Even if many projects were not taken up, we were burdened with debt. These are sad things. We will try to help as much as possible. We are wary of the problems they have created.
When asked whether the Teesta project has been discussed with China or not, he said that there are some issues with China and some issues with Canada. I have not discussed them in detail. Many other issues were discussed.
Regarding the loan taken from China in exchange of high interest rate, he said, “We talked to him about the rate of interest.” He said he will see. I have asked to extend the re-payment period by another 10 years.
Awami League government has left a debt burden of Tk 18 lakh crore, when asked how to reduce it, Dr. Salehuddin said, “It’s a big pressure, a lot of pressure.” Because they gave them and made a contract. Donors have to say it’s a lot of pressure. We are reviewing them. We are careful about it. We are also talking about it among ourselves. Having started with such a huge debt burden, it is very difficult for us. There is the issue of repayment of loans. We will try to solve them.
Secretary of Economic Relations Department (ERD) regarding loans taken from China in exchange for high interest rates. Shahriar Quader Chiddiqui said, the advisor said about the rate of interest that it should be reduced as much as possible and the re-payment period should be increased. They have agreed that they will forward our concern to the Beijing headquarters and they will let us know soon.
Visits: 0
